April 27th - Reflection

Matthew 28:1-10 (NRSV)
Proclaim the resurrection
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you." So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Reflection
It's been a couple of days since we last saw this reading. So much has been presented to us. It's easy to get all wrapped up in the awesome event of the resurrection that we forget the command of the angel at the tomb. Go quickly and tell his disciples that Jesus has been raised from the dead and you will see him.

It's more that go tell them that Jesus is alive. Jesus has been raised from the dead. Jesus did die. Jesus died with our sin. Jesus is now the new Adam alive from the dead. What was so final in death is now alive in Jesus.

So go quickly. If the angel hadn't given this command and the promise to see Jesus, I could imagine that the women would stop and talk about this and all that was happening. For many other people that was what happened. It was all talk about what had happened. Pretty much just gossip. Everyone talking about someone else, but nobody going to talk to the source.

If you want to know truth, then go to the source and talk to them, don't go to someone else involved or listen to second hand information. Go to the source. So the women went to tell the disciples that Jesus has been raised from the dead and is going ahead to Galilee. Go! Go! Go, to the source and believe. Stop the gossip and confusion. Jesus has been raised from the dead and you will see him. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, teach me not to talk for another person. Teach me to send people to the source. Send them to the source and they will hear. As we go to the source in your Word and your Sacraments, may we be guided by your Spirit to truth...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen