Breaking the Word

Saturday Vigil – 9^th 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.

Maundy Thursday – 6^th April 2023 — Gospel: Jn 13,1-15

Prophetic Gesture of Love

The English word ‘Maundy’ comes from the Latin ‘Mandatum’ meaning command. Today is called Maundy Thursday because the Church celebrates the ‘love’ command that Jesus gave on this day. In bending down to wash the feet of the disciples, Jesus, the Lord and Master, brings together all that he was, all that he is, and all that he does. It is this spirit of love and service which is to be the outstanding characteristic of the Christian disciple.

In washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus manifests his prophetic gesture. Although many interpret this gesture as an action of a slave, John, the evangelist, makes it clear that Jesus’ washing the feet was not before the meal as slaves would do but does during the meal. Jesus washes his disciples’ feet knowing that Judas is going to betray him, Peter is going to deny him, and all others will escape from the situation. This is prophetic about the gesture. First, it was done after the meal had began, something totally unexpected. Second, Jesus could wash the feet of the betrayer, denier and run away’s. This broadmindedness of Jesus to look at the disciples with the eyes, the heart, the mind, of love that made the difference. He was loving, forgiving and accepting his disciples in spite of their human frailties. He lived till the end the true meaning of the ‘Love’ command.