Sunday, April 5th

Scripture

Acts 10: 34a, 37-43
Ps 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23
1 Corinthians 5: 6b-8
Matthew 28: 1-10

Reflection

“Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks.
‘Good morning!’ he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet,
and worshiped him.” Mt 28:9

As a woman, I am particularly drawn to Matthew’s account of the Resurrection. In it the women (Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary”) are established as the first witnesses and messengers of this transition. Leave it to Jesus, not only to rise from the dead, but to appear first to women, validating their role and reversing social stigma, emphasizing that the gospel is for everyone and that social standing does not limit significance nor service to God.

These women are commissioned by Jesus to tell the disciples that he is alive and heading to Galilee, marking the beginning of the Church’s mission to spread the Good News. Mary Magdalene: present at the crucifixion, found the empty tomb, the first to see the risen Jesus, and instructed by him to tell the others. No wonder Thomas Aquinas calls Mary Magdelene the “apostle to the apostles,” highlighting her unique role in scripture.

This year I noticed something new: when the women met Jesus on the road and heard his voice, they immediately knew him, fell to their knees and embraced his feet. Unlike the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, Matthew tells us they recognized Jesus when he greeted them. Am I that attuned to the voice, the movement, the spirit of Christ in me? Do I run to share the good news with others in these times when good news is desperately needed?

Prayer

God of new life, may we embody the courage of these women
witnesses, entrusted by Jesus to carry the message of his victory over
death. May this empower each of us to announce this news
to a hurting world.

Personal Challenge

Carrying the resurrection message today
involves intense political polarization and an apathetic culture
focused on gratification rather than hope.
How do I embody the message of new life and not just preach it?

Sister Judith Minear
Cleveland, OH