MATTHEW 28:01-10
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
INTRODUCTION
The narrative of the Resurrection in Matthew 28:1–10 stands as the radiant climax of the Gospel—the victory of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair. After the silence and sorrow of Holy Saturday, the dawn of the first day of the week breaks forth with divine power. The same women who witnessed the burial of Jesus—Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary”—come to the tomb, not expecting triumph but to honor their crucified Lord. What they encounter instead is the greatest revelation in human history: the tomb is empty, and Christ has risen as He promised. Heaven proclaims what earth could not contain—the power of God has shattered the seal of death.
Matthew’s account uniquely emphasizes both the majesty and the mission of the Resurrection. The angel’s descent, the earthquake, the rolled-away stone, and the terrified guards all reveal the divine intervention that no human effort could resist. The angel’s message—“He is not here, for He has been raised”—transforms sorrow into joy and fear into faith. The risen Christ’s first appearance to the women, accompanied by His tender words, “Do not be afraid,” marks the dawn of a new creation. This passage not only announces the foundation of Christian faith but also inaugurates the Church’s mission: to go forth and proclaim the living Christ to all nations. The Resurrection is not merely an event in history—it is the heartbeat of salvation and the eternal assurance that God’s love conquers all.
Matthew 28:1 “After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.”
As the dawn of the first day of the week breaks, the stillness of the Sabbath gives way to divine action. Two faithful women—Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary”—make their way to the tomb where Jesus had been buried. Their journey is one of love and devotion, not of expectation; they come to mourn, not to witness a miracle. Yet, it is precisely to these faithful hearts that the greatest revelation in history is first granted. The light of dawn mirrors the light of the Resurrection—a new creation beginning where death had seemed victorious.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish reckoning, the Sabbath ended at sunset on Saturday, and the first day of the week (Sunday) began thereafter. Early on Sunday morning, as the sun rose, the women went to the tomb to complete burial rituals that could not be finished before the Sabbath. Their fidelity contrasts sharply with the fear and absence of the male disciples. According to Jewish custom, visiting the tomb honored the dead, but this visit became the moment when heaven and earth would meet in the proclamation of life. The mention of “the first day of the week” is profoundly symbolic—it marks both the day of creation’s first light and the beginning of the new creation in Christ.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church recognizes in this verse the birth of the Lord’s Day—Sunday, the day of Resurrection and the foundation of Christian worship. As God once created the world on the first day, He now re-creates it through the victory of Christ over death. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary represent the faithful Church, seeking Christ even in darkness. Their early arrival at the tomb reveals the virtue of persevering faith—those who seek Him in sorrow find Him in glory. This moment also fulfills the prophecy of Hosea 6:2: “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up.”
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse lies at the heart of Easter Sunday, the Feast of the Resurrection, and the reason every Sunday is celebrated as “the Lord’s Day.” The women’s visit at dawn represents the Church’s eternal vigil, awaiting the light of Christ. The early morning Easter liturgy reflects this spiritual reality—the darkness giving way to the Paschal light that proclaims, “Christ is risen!”
Conclusion
Matthew 28:1 announces the transition from sorrow to joy, from death to life. The women’s faithful presence at the tomb embodies love that endures beyond suffering, and their encounter with the empty tomb will soon ignite the proclamation of salvation to the world. The dawn of the first day marks not just a new morning but the dawn of eternity.
Reflection
Do I seek the Lord with the same faith and love that moved the women to the tomb? Am I ready to encounter His light in the ordinary dawns of my life?
Prayer
Risen Lord, as You brought light to the world on the first day of the week, bring Your light into my heart. Help me to seek You faithfully in both sorrow and joy, and to rise with You to new life each day. Amen.
Mary Magdalene and the Other Mary (Matthew 28:1)
In Matthew’s Resurrection narrative, the first witnesses to the empty tomb are Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary.” These two women are among the most faithful followers of Jesus, standing by Him at the Cross (Matthew 27:55–56), present at His burial (Matthew 27:61), and now the first to encounter His risen glory. Their steadfast devotion through suffering and darkness highlights the faith and courage of those who love Christ beyond fear. While the apostles were in hiding, these women remained near, symbolizing the Church’s faithful love that endures through trial.
Mary Magdalene, also known as Mary of Magdala—a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee—was one of Jesus’ most devoted disciples. The Gospels record that Jesus freed her from the possession of seven demons (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9), an act that transformed her life completely. From that moment, she became a follower and supporter of His ministry, often helping provide for Jesus and His apostles from her own means (Luke 8:3).
Mary Magdalene’s love for Jesus was marked by gratitude, courage, and fidelity. She stood at the foot of the Cross when others fled (John 19:25) and watched as His body was placed in the tomb (Matthew 27:61). Her presence at dawn on Easter morning demonstrates her unwavering faithfulness and her longing to serve the Lord even in sorrow. In Catholic tradition, she is honored as the “Apostle to the Apostles” because she was the first to witness the risen Christ and to bring the message of His Resurrection to the apostles (John 20:17–18).
The Church celebrates her feast on July 22, recognizing her as a model of repentance, faithful discipleship, and love that perseveres through suffering. Her story embodies the transforming mercy of God and the dignity of women as witnesses to the Gospel.
“The other Mary,” mentioned alongside Mary Magdalene, is generally identified as Mary the mother of James and Joseph (Joses) (cf. Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40). She is also referred to in John’s Gospel as “the wife of Clopas” (John 19:25). She may have been a relative of the Blessed Virgin Mary, possibly her sister-in-law. This Mary was part of the group of women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him and His disciples (Matthew 27:55).
Her quiet presence throughout the Passion and at the tomb signifies humble service and enduring faith. While Mary Magdalene’s devotion is more prominent, this “other Mary” represents the countless faithful who serve Christ quietly and steadfastly. In her, the Church honors the silent faith of those who remain constant in prayer, fidelity, and love, even when they are unnoticed by the world.
The presence of these two women at the Resurrection fulfills God’s providential design. According to Jewish law, two witnesses were required to confirm a truth (Deuteronomy 19:15); here, two women bear witness to the greatest truth of all—the Resurrection of Christ. Their faith contrasts with the fear of the guards and the unbelief of the leaders, showing that love perceives what fear cannot.
Spiritually, these women represent the Church in her twofold dimension:
Together, they embody the heart of Christian discipleship—love that endures suffering and is rewarded with the first vision of the Risen Lord.
Reflection
Am I willing, like these women, to seek Christ faithfully even in moments of darkness? Do I stand firm in love when hope seems buried?
Prayer
Risen Lord, grant me the steadfast love of Mary Magdalene and the humble faith of the other Mary. May I seek You with a heart that never turns away and bear witness to Your resurrection through my life of service and devotion. Amen.
Matthew 28:2 “And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.”
The stillness of dawn is suddenly shattered by a great earthquake—a divine sign announcing that God has intervened in human history once again. Just as the earth trembled when Jesus breathed His last on the Cross (Matthew 27:51), it now quakes to declare His victory over death. The angel of the Lord descends from heaven, radiant and powerful, not to let Jesus out—for He has already risen—but to reveal to the world that the tomb is empty. The angel’s action of rolling away the stone and sitting upon it symbolizes triumph: the barrier between death and life, darkness and light, has been conquered. Heaven’s messenger now rests upon what once sealed human mortality, proclaiming through gesture that death has lost its dominion.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish tradition, earthquakes often signify the manifestation of God’s presence and power (cf. Exodus 19:18; Psalm 18:7; Nahum 1:5). This natural phenomenon is not random but purposeful—it marks divine intervention. The angel of the Lord, a figure familiar in Old Testament events (Genesis 22:11; Exodus 3:2; Judges 6:12), again appears as the herald of salvation. Rolling back the heavy stone, which likely weighed hundreds of pounds, was not a physical necessity for Christ’s resurrection but a spiritual revelation for humanity—to show that the tomb was empty. The sitting posture of the angel was one of peace, authority, and completion—symbolizing that God’s work of redemption had been fulfilled.
Catholic Theological Perspective
For Catholics, this verse proclaims both the historical reality and the theological meaning of the Resurrection. The earthquake represents the shaking of the old world order; through Christ’s Resurrection, sin and death lose their grip, and creation is renewed. The angel’s descent signifies the reuniting of heaven and earth through the risen Christ. The rolled-away stone prefigures baptismal grace, which removes the “stone” of sin that once sealed humanity away from eternal life. The sitting angel reflects the peace of heaven now opened to believers. The Church sees this moment as the beginning of the new creation, when the light of the Resurrection dispels the darkness of sin forever.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse is reflected in the Easter Vigil liturgy, when the Paschal Candle is lit and the deacon proclaims, “Lumen Christi”—the Light of Christ. The earthquake and radiant angel symbolize the breaking of sin’s darkness and the illumination of grace. The Resurrection is not merely a historical event but the foundation of Christian worship, celebrated every Sunday as “the day the Lord has made.”
Conclusion
Matthew 28:2 captures the moment when heaven touches earth. The earthquake, the angel, and the rolled-away stone reveal that death has been defeated and the way to eternal life has been opened. What once symbolized despair now proclaims victory. The empty tomb stands as the eternal sign that nothing—neither stone, sin, nor grave—can contain the glory of the Risen Christ.
Reflection
Are there stones in my life—sins, fears, or doubts—that need to be rolled away by God’s power? The same divine force that opened the tomb can open every heart to new life.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You broke open the tomb and brought light to the world. Roll away the stones that bind my heart and awaken in me the joy of Your Resurrection. May I live as a witness to Your victory over sin and death. Amen.
Matthew 28:3 “His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow.”
The angel’s appearance radiates the majesty and holiness of heaven. His brilliance—described as lightning—reveals the divine glory and power that accompany the Resurrection. The dazzling light represents the victory of God’s truth over the darkness of death. His white garments, pure as snow, symbolize righteousness, divine purity, and eternal life. The scene evokes awe and reverence; the light of heaven has broken through the shadows of the tomb. The women who came to mourn are met not with death’s stillness but with a vision of glory, reminding them—and us—that the Lord’s promise of life is greater than all human despair.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Scripture, lightning often signifies divine revelation and presence (Exodus 19:16; Daniel 10:6). Angels are depicted as radiant beings who reflect the splendor of God’s holiness. The whiteness of the angel’s clothing echoes the purity required to stand in God’s presence (cf. Ezekiel 9:2; Daniel 7:9). White garments were also worn by priests during Temple service and later by the newly baptized in the early Church, symbolizing renewal and holiness. The angel’s brightness contrasts sharply with the darkness of the tomb and the confusion of the guards, underlining the triumph of divine power over human frailty.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse signifies the revelation of God’s glory through the Resurrection of Christ. The angel’s radiance is not his own—it reflects the risen glory of the Lord. The brightness of lightning points to the uncreated light of God that illuminates all creation, and the white garment prefigures the transfigured life promised to the saints. The Catechism teaches that angels are pure spirits, messengers of God, participating in His splendor (CCC 329–333). Their appearance here connects the Resurrection to the heavenly realm and prefigures the glory that awaits the faithful at the end of time.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
The angel’s radiant appearance reflects the light of the Paschal Candle in the Easter Vigil—the light of Christ breaking through the darkness. The Church celebrates this triumph in the joy of the Resurrection, symbolized by white vestments and the singing of the Gloria. The color white in liturgy proclaims joy, purity, and victory over sin and death.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:3 reveals that the Resurrection is not merely an event but a revelation of divine glory. The angel’s brilliance mirrors the splendor of the Risen Christ, whose light overcomes every darkness. In the angel’s radiance, heaven itself testifies that God’s love is stronger than death.
Reflection
Do I let the light of the Resurrection shine in my life, or do I remain among the shadows of fear and doubt? God’s glory calls me to walk in the brightness of faith and purity.
Prayer
Risen Lord, may Your light shine upon my heart as the angel’s light filled the tomb. Cleanse me of sin, clothe me in the purity of Your grace, and make me a witness of Your radiant glory to the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:4 “The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men.”
The appearance of the angel and the earthquake overwhelm the Roman guards with terror. The same soldiers who were stationed to secure the tomb now tremble before the power of heaven. Their fear contrasts sharply with the peace and joy soon experienced by the women. Ironically, those sent to prevent a resurrection are paralyzed by the very truth they sought to deny. The phrase “became like dead men” is deeply symbolic: those who serve earthly power and oppose divine will are rendered powerless before the life-giving presence of God. The living Lord is risen, while those aligned with death and unbelief become motionless and lifeless in His light.
Historical and Jewish Context
Roman guards were chosen for their strength and discipline. To fall unconscious or abandon duty could mean execution. Their collapse therefore signifies not weakness but divine overpowering. In Jewish understanding, encountering an angel or divine manifestation often provoked holy fear (cf. Daniel 10:7–9; Judges 13:20–22). Here, the soldiers’ terror fulfills Psalm 76:7—“You, indeed, are to be feared; who can stand before You once Your anger is roused?” Their fear is physical, not spiritual; they witness divine glory but do not understand it. Unlike the women, who respond with faith and love, the guards encounter the same revelation and experience only paralysis.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic thought, this verse highlights the contrast between worldly and divine power. The soldiers represent the authority of Rome, the might that crucified Christ and sealed His tomb. Yet, in the moment of Resurrection, that same authority collapses before God’s glory. Fear without faith leads to spiritual death, but reverent fear joined with love leads to salvation. The Church Fathers saw in these guards a symbol of humanity without grace—alive in body but dead in spirit. The Resurrection transforms the meaning of fear: for believers, it becomes awe before God’s majesty; for unbelievers, it exposes their helplessness.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse is reflected in the Easter Vigil, when the contrast between light and darkness, life and death, is dramatically proclaimed. The soldiers’ paralysis before the light of heaven highlights the triumph of divine power celebrated in the Exsultet: “This is the night when Christ broke the prison-bars of death and rose victorious from the underworld.” The world’s fear gives way to the Church’s joy.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:4 powerfully portrays the reversal of power through the Resurrection. Those who guard death are struck down by life; those who seek the dead will soon find the Living One. The tomb becomes a meeting point of fear and faith—fear that paralyzes the unbeliever and faith that awakens the heart to new life.
Reflection
Do I respond to God’s presence with paralyzing fear or with trusting faith? The same light that terrifies the unfaithful gives peace and joy to those who believe.
Prayer
Risen Lord, let Your presence shake my heart not with fear but with awe and love. Free me from spiritual blindness, and awaken me to the life and joy that flow from Your victory over death. Amen.
Matthew 28:5 “Then the angel said to the women in reply, ‘Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.’”
Amid the trembling earth and the fear of the guards, the angel’s first words to the faithful women are gentle and comforting: “Do not be afraid.” This heavenly greeting echoes the words spoken throughout salvation history whenever God draws near to humanity (cf. Luke 1:13, 30; 2:10). The angel distinguishes between the fear of unbelievers, which paralyzes, and the reverent awe of believers, which opens the heart to faith. His recognition—“you are seeking Jesus the crucified”—acknowledges their devotion. They came to mourn, but their faithfulness will make them the first witnesses of His glory. Though they still see Him as “the crucified,” heaven is about to reveal Him as “the risen.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Angels often served as messengers in moments of divine revelation or covenant renewal. Their words, “Do not be afraid,” were not a dismissal of emotion but an invitation to faith. The women’s presence at the tomb was an act of courage; touching or approaching a dead body made one ritually unclean (Numbers 19:11). Yet their love for Jesus overcame every barrier. The angel’s acknowledgment of “Jesus the crucified” reflects the reality of the Passion still fresh in their hearts. In Jewish expectation, no one imagined that the Messiah would die, much less rise again. By addressing Him as “the crucified,” the angel identifies Jesus not only by His death but by the redeeming act that has become the sign of victory.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic theology, this verse captures the transition from sorrow to faith. The angel’s message inaugurates the Gospel of the Resurrection—the good news that Christ’s death was not defeat but the gateway to eternal life. “Do not be afraid” becomes the divine invitation to all believers, reminding the Church that fear has no place where faith reigns. The angel’s recognition of “Jesus the crucified” affirms the continuity between the Cross and Resurrection. The glorified Christ remains the same crucified Savior; His wounds are the eternal marks of love. The Church, therefore, venerates both the Cross and the empty tomb as inseparable symbols of salvation.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
In the Easter Vigil and throughout the Easter season, the angel’s words echo in the Church’s proclamation: “Christ is risen! Do not be afraid!” The faithful who seek Christ in prayer and sacrament are reassured that He is alive and near. The Paschal joy replaces fear, just as the angel’s message replaced the women’s sorrow with hope.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:5 shows that divine revelation begins not with terror but with tenderness. The angel’s words transform fear into faith and mourning into mission. The women’s sincere search for “Jesus the crucified” prepares them to become the first heralds of “Jesus the risen.”
Reflection
When I face life’s uncertainties, do I let fear rule, or do I listen to the angel’s assurance: “Do not be afraid”? True seekers of Christ find peace in His living presence.
Prayer
Risen Lord, calm my fears with Your love. Teach me to seek You faithfully in moments of darkness and to hear Your voice saying, “Do not be afraid.” Strengthen my faith that I may proclaim You, the Crucified and Risen One, with joy. Amen.
Matthew 28:6 “He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
The angel now proclaims the most glorious announcement in human history: Christ is risen! The words “He is not here” do not signify absence but triumph. The tomb, once a symbol of death and despair, becomes the first pulpit of the Resurrection. The angel affirms that Jesus has risen “just as he said”—confirming that every word of the Lord is true and fulfilled. God’s promises are not broken by suffering or death. The empty tomb is the visible sign of an invisible reality: life has conquered death, and the crucified Savior is now the living Lord. The invitation, “Come and see,” transforms the women from mourners into witnesses. Faith begins by seeing the signs of God’s power and then moves to proclaiming His glory.
Historical and Jewish Context
The phrase “he has been raised” uses the divine passive, meaning that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead, vindicating His mission and identity as the Messiah. In Jewish tradition, resurrection was expected at the end of time for the righteous (Daniel 12:2), but here it occurs within history—a shocking, unprecedented act of divine power. The angel’s invitation to “come and see” recalls Jesus’ earlier invitation to His first disciples (John 1:39). The witnesses are invited not to remain in curiosity but to encounter the truth that transforms. The empty tomb was crucial: in Jewish law, testimony required visible confirmation, and the women’s firsthand witness would later validate the truth of the Resurrection in the Church’s preaching.
Catholic Theological Perspective
For Catholics, this verse lies at the heart of faith. The Resurrection is the cornerstone of the Gospel and the fulfillment of all Scripture. It is not merely a return to life but the beginning of a new creation—a glorified, immortal existence beyond death. The words “just as he said” affirm the reliability of Christ’s promises and the truth of divine revelation. The empty tomb becomes the foundation of Christian hope and the source of sacramental life. Every Sunday, the Church celebrates the Risen Lord, and in every Mass, she proclaims, “We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection.” The angel’s invitation to “come and see” echoes in the liturgy, calling believers to approach the Eucharist—the living presence of the Risen Christ.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse resounds through the Easter Vigil and the Easter Sunday Mass, as the Church rejoices in the empty tomb. The Paschal candle, lit in the darkness, symbolizes the same truth proclaimed by the angel—Christ, the Light of the world, has triumphed over death. The faithful are invited to “come and see” in the Eucharist the living Lord who continues to dwell among His people.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:6 proclaims the central truth of Christian faith: Jesus Christ, once crucified, is risen in glory. The angel’s message transforms grief into joy and doubt into faith. The tomb, once a place of silence, becomes a testimony of life. Through this verse, every believer is invited to encounter the Risen Lord personally and to bear witness to His power.
Reflection
Do I approach the Resurrection with the same wonder as the women at the tomb? Do I live as one who believes that Christ is truly alive in me?
Prayer
Risen Lord, You are not in the tomb but alive forever. Strengthen my faith to see You in the light of Your promises. Roll away the stones of doubt within me and help me proclaim with joy: “You are risen, Lord, just as You said.” Amen.
Matthew 28:7 “Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
The angel’s message moves from revelation to mission. The women who came in sorrow now receive the first apostolic command of the Resurrection: to go and proclaim the good news. The angel commissions them as messengers of hope—transforming their grief into purpose and their silence into joyful witness. The phrase “He has been raised from the dead” is the heart of the Gospel, the truth upon which Christian faith stands. The assurance that Jesus “goes before you to Galilee” recalls His promise at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:32) and reveals that the Risen Lord leads His disciples once again to the place where their journey of faith began. The resurrection restores relationship, renews mission, and rekindles hope.
Historical and Jewish Context
In the Jewish world, women were not considered legal witnesses in court; yet God chooses women as the first heralds of the Resurrection, overturning cultural expectations. The instruction to “go quickly” reflects both urgency and grace—salvation cannot wait. “Galilee” carries profound symbolism: it was the land of the poor, the Gentiles, and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry (Matthew 4:12–17). By directing the disciples back there, the angel points to renewal and mission beyond Jerusalem. It signifies that the Risen Lord’s message will not be confined to one nation but will go forth to all peoples.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic theology, this verse embodies the Church’s missionary identity. The Resurrection is not a private revelation but a universal proclamation. The angel’s words—“go quickly and tell”—echo Christ’s later Great Commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The command to go to Galilee shows that faith in the Risen Christ leads to active discipleship. Galilee represents the world—the ordinary places where believers must encounter and witness to the living Lord. The angel’s phrase “Behold, I have told you” underscores the divine authority behind this message, assuring that what heaven has declared is final and true.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
In the Easter liturgy, this verse finds its echo in the dismissal of the Mass: “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” Having encountered the Risen Christ in Word and Eucharist, the faithful are sent to proclaim His life to the world. The message of the angel to the women becomes the mission of the Church—to announce that Jesus is risen and continues to go before His followers in every place and age.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:7 shows that the Resurrection is not only an event to be believed but a truth to be proclaimed. The women become the first missionaries of the new covenant, carrying the joy of Easter to a world still bound by fear. Their obedience fulfills what Jesus promised—the journey of discipleship continues, led by the living Lord who always goes before His people.
Reflection
Do I carry the joy of the Resurrection to others, or do I keep it hidden in fear or silence? Like the women, I am called to go quickly and share the good news that Christ is alive and walking ahead of me.
Prayer
Risen Lord, thank You for calling me to share in the mission of Your Resurrection. Give me the courage and zeal of the holy women who ran from the tomb to proclaim Your victory. May I follow You faithfully wherever You go before me. Amen.
Matthew 28:8 “Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples.”
The women’s response captures the beautiful tension of faith—fear and joy intertwined. They leave the tomb in haste, their hearts trembling with awe at the divine mystery and overflowing with the joy of encountering life where death once reigned. Their fear is not terror but reverent wonder before the power of God; their joy is the dawning realization that all of Jesus’ promises have come true. In their running, we see love in motion—faith that cannot remain still once it has encountered the truth. They become the first evangelists of the Resurrection, bearing a message that will forever change the world: the Lord is alive!
Historical and Jewish Context
In the ancient world, “fear and joy” were common reactions to divine manifestations. The women’s mixture of emotions mirrors the human experience of encountering the holy—the trembling of awe paired with the joy of revelation (cf. Exodus 3:6; Luke 2:9–10). Their immediate obedience to the angel’s command—“go quickly and tell”—shows their devotion and faith. They do not pause to question or doubt. Running to the disciples symbolizes the urgency and vitality of the Gospel message. In Jewish thought, running was associated with eagerness to fulfill God’s will (Psalm 119:32). Their haste reveals that faith is not passive knowledge but active mission.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic theology, this verse embodies the first fruits of Easter faith. The Resurrection transforms fear into joy and mourning into proclamation. The women’s “fearful joy” becomes the model for every believer’s encounter with the Risen Christ—trembling before the majesty of God yet rejoicing in His mercy and love. Their running signifies missionary zeal: the Church, born at the empty tomb, must never stand still but continually run to share the good news. The angel’s command and the women’s obedience form the pattern of evangelization—hearing, believing, and proclaiming. Their announcement to the apostles marks the beginning of the apostolic mission that will reach the ends of the earth.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse finds its echo in the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday celebrations. The Church, like the women at the tomb, is filled with awe and joy as she proclaims, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!” The faithful are sent forth from the liturgy to announce this truth to the world. The Paschal joy that fills the Church mirrors the women’s joy as they run to proclaim the Resurrection.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:8 shows that genuine faith moves from contemplation to action. The women’s hearts, filled with fear and joy, compel their feet to run and their voices to proclaim. The Resurrection cannot remain a secret; it demands witness. Their haste becomes the model for every Christian called to bring the message of life into a world still bound by fear and death.
Reflection
Do I allow the joy of the Resurrection to move me beyond fear into witness? True Easter faith does not stay at the tomb—it runs to share the good news.
Prayer
Risen Lord, fill my heart with the same holy joy that sent the women running from the tomb. Help me overcome fear and proclaim with boldness that You are alive and victorious. May my life bear witness to Your Resurrection every day. Amen.
Matthew 28:9 “And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.”
As the women hurry to announce the angel’s message, the most wondrous moment occurs—the Risen Lord Himself appears to them. Their faith and obedience are rewarded with the first personal encounter with the resurrected Christ. The word “behold” signals divine revelation—God’s promise fulfilled before their eyes. Jesus’ simple greeting, often translated as “Rejoice” or “Peace,” carries profound meaning: it is both a blessing and a command to enter into the joy of new life. Overcome with love and awe, the women fall at His feet, embracing them in adoration. Their gesture expresses both recognition and worship—He is no ghost or spirit but truly risen in His glorified body.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish custom, touching the feet was a sign of deep reverence and submission (cf. 1 Samuel 25:24; 2 Kings 4:27). The women’s action demonstrates not only their joy but their faith in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. The greeting “Rejoice” (chairete in Greek) was a common salutation, yet in this context it takes on divine significance. It recalls the angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary at the Annunciation (Luke 1:28), connecting the Incarnation and the Resurrection—the beginning and fulfillment of salvation. By appearing first to women, Jesus overturns societal expectations, affirming the dignity and faithfulness of those who remained steadfast during His Passion.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic theology, this encounter reveals both the humanity and divinity of the Risen Christ. He greets them personally, showing continuity with the same Jesus they followed before His death, yet His glorified presence reveals His divine majesty. The women’s act of embracing His feet becomes an act of Eucharistic adoration, foreshadowing the Church’s worship of Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Their physical contact confirms the bodily Resurrection—Christ’s triumph over death is not symbolic but real. The words “they did Him homage” reflect the Church’s worship, acknowledging Jesus as Lord and God. This moment inaugurates the joy of the Resurrection, which the Church celebrates in every Mass and every Sunday, the Lord’s Day.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse resonates deeply within the Easter liturgy, where the Church rejoices in the personal presence of the Risen Christ. The greeting “Rejoice” echoes in the Regina Caeli, the Easter hymn honoring Mary: “Rejoice, O Queen of Heaven, Alleluia! For He whom you did merit to bear, Alleluia, has risen as He said.” In every Eucharist, the faithful—like the women—encounter and adore the living Christ, receiving His peace and joy.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:9 portrays the first personal encounter between the Risen Jesus and His followers. Love and fidelity lead to revelation—those who sought Him in sorrow now embrace Him in glory. The Resurrection is no longer a message from angels but a living reality in Christ Himself, who greets His faithful with joy and peace.
Reflection
Do I truly meet the Risen Lord in my daily life—in the Eucharist, in prayer, and in acts of love? Like the women, am I willing to fall at His feet in gratitude and worship?
Prayer
Risen Lord, I thank You for revealing Yourself to those who seek You with love. Let me recognize You in every encounter, adore You with all my heart, and live in the joy of Your Resurrection. Amen.
Matthew 28:10 “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’”
The Risen Christ speaks with tenderness and authority. His first words, “Do not be afraid,” echo the angel’s reassurance but now come directly from His divine lips—transforming fear into peace. Jesus’ command to the women confirms their role as messengers of hope, chosen to bring the news of life to those still hiding in sorrow. By calling His disciples “my brothers,” He reveals the depth of His mercy and reconciliation. The same men who fled in fear and denied Him are now restored to dignity and communion. Christ’s Resurrection not only conquers death but heals broken relationships, renewing the family of faith. His instruction to go to Galilee connects the past with the future—the place where His ministry began will now become the place where mission begins anew.
Historical and Jewish Context
The phrase “my brothers” is deeply significant in the Jewish setting. It conveys familial intimacy and forgiveness, replacing judgment with compassion. Galilee, known as “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Isaiah 9:1), was the region of Jesus’ early ministry and symbolizes universality—the Gospel now extends beyond Jerusalem to all nations. In Jewish thought, meeting in Galilee would mark a new beginning, a renewal of the covenant community. The women’s mission to announce this message reflects their faithfulness and courage; they become the bridge between the tomb and the mission of the Church. The directive to “go and tell” thus establishes the divine pattern of evangelization—encounter, proclamation, and communion.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic theology, this verse expresses both the mercy and the mission of the Risen Christ. The Resurrection is not only a victory over sin and death but also the restoration of love between God and humanity. By calling the disciples “my brothers,” Jesus fulfills His words in John 20:17—“I am ascending to my Father and your Father.” This signifies that through His death and resurrection, believers now share in His divine sonship. Galilee represents the Church’s mission field—the world—where the Risen Christ continues to go before His disciples. The command “Do not be afraid” remains timeless, echoing in every heart that receives Christ’s call to witness and serve.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse reflects the Easter message of peace and mission. The words “Do not be afraid” and “Go tell my brothers” form the heart of Christian witness. During the Easter season, the Church continues this mission through joy-filled proclamation: “The Lord is truly risen, Alleluia!” The call to Galilee reminds the faithful that every Eucharistic celebration sends them forth to encounter Christ in daily life and share His peace with others.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:10 completes the Resurrection encounter with tenderness and mission. The Lord who once suffered now speaks words of peace; the fearful disciples are called brothers; and the tomb of sorrow becomes the starting point of new life. Christ’s command to go to Galilee shows that the Risen Lord always goes ahead of His followers, leading them into renewed faith and mission.
Reflection
Do I live as one sent by the Risen Christ, bringing His peace to others? Am I willing to go to my own “Galilee”—the ordinary places of life—where He waits to meet me again?
Prayer
Risen Lord, calm my fears with Your words of peace and renew me with Your love. Make me Your faithful messenger, ready to bring hope where there is despair. Lead me to my own Galilee, where I may see You, follow You, and proclaim that You are truly risen. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Matthew 28:1–10 unveils the greatest mystery of salvation—the triumph of the Risen Christ over death and the dawn of a new creation. From the darkness of the tomb arises the light of eternal life. The faithful women, who came to mourn their crucified Lord, become the first witnesses and messengers of the Resurrection. Through their courage and devotion, the Lord reveals that divine grace is often entrusted to humble and faithful hearts. The earthquake, the radiant angel, the empty tomb, and the personal appearance of Jesus all proclaim one truth: God’s promises never fail. The Resurrection transforms fear into faith, sorrow into joy, and silence into proclamation. It marks the beginning of a new era—the age of redemption—when death itself is conquered by the power of divine love.
This passage also shows that the Resurrection is not only an event to be believed but a relationship to be lived. Jesus’ first words after rising—“Do not be afraid”—reassure all believers that He walks before us, guiding us to our own “Galilee,” the place where faith meets mission. The women’s encounter with the Risen Lord mirrors the Church’s experience in every Eucharist: we meet Him, adore Him, and are sent forth to proclaim His life to the world. Thus, Matthew 28:1–10 invites every disciple to live as a witness of resurrection hope—carrying the light of Christ into the world’s darkness and the peace of the Risen Lord into every heart.
PRAYER
Risen Lord Jesus, You shattered the darkness of death and filled the world with Your radiant light. Strengthen my faith to seek You with the love of Mary Magdalene, to recognize You in every encounter, and to proclaim with joy that You are truly risen. Grant that I may live each day in the hope and peace of Your Resurrection. Amen.