The False Narrative of the Chief Priest, The Issue of Money and the Resurrection of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season:  Easter Season: Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 28:8-15*

*First Reading : Acts 2:14, 22-33*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11*

*The False Narrative of the Chief Priest, The Issue of Money and the Resurrection of Jesus*

*1) Money Used to Silence the Truth*

The chief priests used money to suppress the greatest truth in history.

Instead of embracing the reality of the resurrection, they used bribes to maintain control and protect their status.

Money can be a powerful tool for either truth or deception. 

How do we use the resources God gives us? 

Do we allow greed or comfort to blind us from God's truth?

*2) A Pattern of Corruption*

This isn’t the first time money appears in the Passion narrative. 

Earlier, Judas was paid 30 silver coins to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:15). 

Now, money is used again to try to bury the truth.

Satan’s schemes often involve corrupting the human heart through greed.

How vigilant are we against the temptation to trade eternal truth for temporary gain?

*3) The Cost of a Lie*

The soldiers accepted a “large sum” of money (Matthew 28:12), but at what cost? 

They witnessed something supernatural and divine, yet chose silence for a price.

What does it profit a man to gain the world but lose his soul? (Mark 8:36) 

Are there areas in our lives where we are tempted to compromise truth for personal benefit?

*4) Truth Does Not Need Bribery*

God didn’t pay anyone to believe in the resurrection. Instead, He showed Himself. 

Jesus appeared to the women, the disciples, and over 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:6). Truth stands on its own.

Deception often requires effort to sustain—lies need bribery, manipulation, and secrecy. 

Truth, on the other hand, radiates freely. 

Are we trusting in the clarity of God’s truth, or trying to control outcomoes?

*5) The Resurrection Challenges Power Structures*

The resurrection disrupted religious and political systems. 

The chief priests’ response shows how people in power may resist truth when it threatens their control.

Are we willing to let the truth of Christ's resurrection unsettle our comfort zones, or do we try to manage and contain it like the religious leaders did?

*6) God’s Truth Prevails*

Despite the bribes and lies, the resurrection story spread and changed the world. 

No amount of money or falsehood could stop the light of the risen Christ.

Lies may gain temporary influence, but the truth of Christ’s resurrection endures forever. 

Are we living boldly in the light of that truth?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*