First Reading - Acts 2:14,22-33
Gospel - Matthew 28:8-15
In the first reading, we see Peter emphatically speaking about the resurrection of Jesus. This account contains apologetical arguments with scriptural citations to prove the fact of the resurrection as prophesied by the prophets and particularly by David. Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, preaches to people fearlessly who had come to Jerusalem for the celebration of feast. The courageous witnessing by Peter demonstrates the impact of the resurrection on him which was reinforced by the Holy Spirit.
The gospel presents two different witnessing attitudes; firstly, the women who were commanded by Jesus to bear witness to the apostles about his resurrection; secondly, the guards, the chief priests and elders who came to know the fact of resurrection of Jesus but wanted to deny and hide it, lest they lose their jobs as leaders and people would be drifted away to accept Jesus as God. The women who were considered weak in the patriarchal society of then, become courageous witnesses to reveal the fact of the resurrection of Jesus but the religious leaders who enjoyed privileges and influence in the society of then, were afraid to reveal the fact of the resurrection.
Dear friends, as Christians we are all bearers of the message of the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus commanded the women to apprise his disciples of his resurrection so is the command given to each believer in Christ to become witnesses of his resurrection. Let's not become like those guards who kept quiet for money, or like the leaders (high priests and elders) who in order to save their job and avoid shame for not recognizing the true Messiah wanted to bury the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. There are times when we too forget our responsibility as Christians for petty money, job, or other reasons to become the witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus. Let's become like Peter and the women in the gospel who courageously became witnesses of the risen Christ.
We need to become active witnesses of the risen Christ by our lives, words, and actions. However, we need to keep it in mind that our witnessing must be reinforced by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit courageously preached about the resurrection of Jesus. Let's invite the Holy Spirit to accompany us in our mission of proclamation of the good news of the resurrection of Jesus.
May God help us become active witnesses of the resurrection of the Lord.
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