Word to the Wise
Monday, April 1, 2024 - Octave of Easter - Mon
[Acts 2:14, 22-33 and Matt 28:8-15]Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." [Matthew]
The gospel scriptures for the next few days recount a number of "post-resurrection" encounters with the Risen Lord. The reactions in these encounters range from fear to joy. There is difficulty in recognizing Jesus, which seems strange given the close acquaintance that some disciples had with him! Some of the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost. Yet, the gospel today presumes some kind of physical presence since we are told the women embraced his feet. In the Gospel According to John, Mary Magdalene thinks he is the gardener! Another encounter has Jesus eating fish in the Upper Room. And how could Jesus get into the room when it was locked by those fearful disciples? And how could Jesus walk with those disciples on the Road to Emmaus and chat with them? How would WE react to someone we are sure is dead in a tomb and is now talking to us, wounds and all? Fearful yet overjoyed?
The experiences of these encounters are an invitation to us to reflect on THE central mystery of Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus from death in the tomb. Is it only a PAST event in history and we are just celebrating an extended anniversary? Were those encounters only for a privileged few? On Wednesday this week, the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus may offer us a response. Stay tuned! AMEN