4/6/2026 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 28:8-15

8 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples
9 And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
11 While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened.
12 They assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’
14 And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy [him] and keep you out of trouble.”
15 The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.

4/6/2026 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 28:8-15

In this Gospel reading, we encounter two very different responses to the same life-changing event. On one side are the women who leave the empty tomb with a mixture of fear and overwhelming joy. On the other side are the guards and religious leaders who choose to suppress the truth, replacing it with a carefully crafted story to protect their own interests. This contrast speaks powerfully into our world today.

The women did not have all the answers. They were still processing what had happened, yet they chose to move forward in faith. Their fear did not paralyze them; instead, it coexisted with joy and hope. This reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to obey and trust even when we are uncertain. In modern life, we often wait until everything feels safe and clear before we act, whether it’s speaking truth, pursuing a calling, or making a difficult decision. But real transformation happens when we take steps forward despite our doubts.

In contrast, the guards and leaders witnessed evidence of something extraordinary, yet they chose denial. Instead of embracing truth, they protected their reputation and control. This is still very relevant today. In workplaces, schools, and even communities, people sometimes ignore what is right because it is inconvenient or threatens their position. We see misinformation spread, not always because people are unaware, but because acknowledging the truth requires change, humility, or sacrifice.

This passage challenges us to examine our own response to truth. When we encounter something that calls us to grow, repent, or change direction, do we accept it with humility, or do we resist it to preserve comfort? Truth has the power to set us free, but only if we are willing to receive it.

Another important lesson is the power of testimony. The women became messengers of hope, carrying good news to others. Their role was not to fully explain everything but simply to share what they had experienced. In today’s world, people are often searching for meaning, purpose, and hope. You don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference. You just need to be willing to share your story, your faith, and your experiences of grace in everyday life. A kind word, a simple act of love, or a moment of honesty can impact someone more than we realize.

Finally, this story reminds us that truth may be challenged, distorted, or even rejected but it cannot be erased. Despite efforts to silence it, the message continued to spread. In the same way, goodness, truth, and hope remain powerful forces in our world today. When we choose integrity over convenience, courage over fear, and truth over comfort, we become part of something greater than ourselves.

So today, choose to move forward even if you feel uncertain. Choose truth even when it is difficult. And choose to be a messenger of hope in a world that desperately needs it.

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