The Friday following the First Sunday after Easter situates us in the tender aftermath of Christ’s Resurrection, a mystery we continue to contemplate and celebrate with renewed joy and fervor during this Easter season. As we turn our gaze back to the profound events that occurred at the tomb, let us reflect on the vivid narrative presented in Matthew 28:2, 5-6:
“And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it… But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.'”
These verses encapsulate the monumental nature of the Resurrection, heralded by an earthquake and an angelic presence. This scene is rich with theological symbolism and profound hope, offering much to meditate upon.
The Earthquake: A Sign of Divine Intervention
The earthquake mentioned in Matthew 28:2 is no mere natural phenomenon; rather, it signifies the shattering of the old order. Christ’s Resurrection is a cosmic event, disrupting the very foundations of death and sin. In the tradition of the Church Fathers, such as St. John Chrysostom, the earthquake is often seen as a testament to the power of God, breaking the seals of death that held humanity captive. As modern-day disciples, this tremor invites us to shake off our old selves and rise anew in the life of Christ.
The Angel: Messenger of the Good News
The angel who rolls back the stone and sits upon it serves as a profound messenger of hope. His actions and words are a direct fulfillment of Christ’s promise of the Resurrection. This angelic figure reassures us, as he did the women at the tomb, “Do not be afraid.” In our own spiritual journeys, this message is a comforting reminder that God sends His messengers to guide us through our moments of doubt and fear.
“He is not here; for He has risen”
These words are the cornerstone of our faith. Christ’s victory over death is a source of endless hope and joy for all believers. As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to see ourselves in the women who first heard the news of the Resurrection. Their journey to the tomb was one of sorrow, but what they found was a revelation that transformed sorrow into exultation.
Application to Our Lives
This narrative calls us to be messengers of the Resurrection in our own world. Just as the angel rolled away the stone, we are called to remove obstacles that keep ourselves and others from recognizing the risen Christ. This can be through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and living a life of witness to the joy of the Gospel.
Furthermore, in the spirit of this Easter season, let us approach our daily encounters with the confidence of the Resurrection, assuring those we meet that indeed, “He has risen.” In our interactions, whether they be simple or profound, let us carry the tremor of hope that comes from knowing Christ has conquered the grave.
As we continue to journey through this Easter season, let the message of Matthew 28:2, 5-6 resonate in our hearts and minds. May the earthquake of Christ’s victory continue to disturb our complacency, and may the angel’s message compel us to go forth in joy, proclaiming the Risen Lord.