Matthew 28:1-10, The Resurrection

1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Comments

The New Testament writers never described the resurrection but presented it as fact. The two women Matthew has followed show up again to discover an empty tomb. The stone was moved for the benefit of the women, not to let Jesus out for he had already risen. While the angel instructed them to tell the male disciples what had happened, Jesus first revealed himself to these two women. In that day, the testimony of women was not valid as reliable witnesses. Yet Jesus gave them this immense privilege. A new day had dawned. In the resurrection the fallen and damaged creation order found its rebirth and restoration to its original goodness, and it started with Mary and Mary.

Why did Jesus want his disciples to meet him in Galilee? The light of new creation will dawn in Galilee while it goes out in Jerusalem. Jerusalem will cease to be the exclusive place where one can find the Lord.

Prayer

Christ our life,

you are alive

in the beauty of the earth

in the rhythm of the seasons

in the mystery of time and space

Alleluia

Christ our life,

you are alive

in the tenderness of touch

in the heartbeat of intimacy

in the insights of solitude

Alleluia

Christ our life,

you are alive

in the creative possibility

of the dullest conversation

the dreariest task

the most threatening event

Alleluia

Christ our life,

you are alive

to offer re-creation

to every unhealed hurt

to every deadened place

to every damaged heart

Alleluia

You set before us a great choice.

Therefore we choose life.

The dance of resurrection soars and surges

through the whole creation.

It sets gifts of bread and wine upon our table.

This is grace, dying we live.

So let us live.

Kathy Galloway (Iona Community)