Saturday Vigil – 9th April 2023 — Gospel: Matthew 28,1-10
Movement from Fear to Overwhelming Joy
Matthew’s account of Jesus’ empty tomb presents dramatically many details that are unique to the evangelist: The earthquake, the angel descending from heaven and rolling away the stone, the guards collapsing like dead men and the identity of the first witnesses of the resurrection. His resurrection story contrasts the life-giving power of God with death-dealing human authority. It moves from fear to great Joy.
This resurrection story begins with fear and ends with overwhelming joy. The angel’s first words to the women, “Do not be afraid”, contrasts with the guards, who are trembling with fear. The angel is commanding the women to reject their current state of fear, for his news brings great joy (28,6b-7). The angel sends them to bear the good news to the disciples, along with the message that Jesus is going ahead and they will see him in Galilee. The women immediately, “with fear and great joy” obey the angel’s command. As they run to announce the world-changing news, Jesus meets them and reiterates the angel’s command to stop being afraid. That He is alive and present with them makes the women recognize and worship him. They are overwhelmed with joy.
The resurrection narrative also highlights the same theme that was raised at Jesus’ birth. Herod reacted to the threatening announcement of a new born king by trying to exterminate him, by sending soldiers to kill all the babies in the region. Indeed, Jesus’ birth story begins with fear. After the crucifixion, when the religious and civil authorities succeeded in their quest to kill Jesus, they reacted to the threat of his resurrection by sending soldiers to seal the tomb and guard his dead body. God raised his Son by shaking the earth, which cannot be stopped by armed guards and an official seal. Indeed, Jesus’ resurrection brings empowering Joy to his disciples. Jesus’ birth is shadowed by many deaths, but Jesus’ death brings the promise of resurrection life for all. Thus the gospel that began with a fearful king who tries to kill a potential rival ends with overwhelming joy.
