Resurrection of the Lord and the Women

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : First Week:  Monday*

*Gospel :  Mt 28:8-15*

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

*Responsorial Psalm : 16:1-11*

*Resurrection of the Lord and the Women*

*1) The Women in the Resurrection Scene* 

The women (especially Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary”) go to the tomb. They encounter the angel

As they run with fear and joy, Jesus Himself meets them

They are the first to see the risen Lord and the first to be sent with the message : “Go and tell my brothers…” (Mt 28:10)

*The Cultural Shock* : 

In Jewish and Greco-Roman culture: Women’s testimony was often not legally accepted in court. They were not considered reliable public witnesses

So if someone were inventing a story, they would NOT choose women as primary witnesses.

*2) Why Did Jesus Choose Women?* 

*A) God reverses human expectations*

God often works through those society overlooks.

Not kings → but shepherds (at birth)

Not authorities → but women (at resurrection)

The Resurrection narrative challenges human hierarchies.

*B) Faithfulness over status*

The women: Stayed at the cross (Mt 27:55–56). Came early to the tomb. Did not abandon Jesus

They are chosen not because of social position, but because of love and fidelity

*C) They were spiritually receptive* 

They come with devotion, not skepticism. They are ready to receive, even in grief

This openness becomes the doorway to encounter

*D) They become “apostles to the apostles”* 

Jesus entrusts them with a mission: “Go and tell…”. Before the apostles preach, women proclaim the Resurrection to them

*3) Deep Theological Meaning* 

*A) Restoration of dignity*

In the beginning (Genesis), the voice of the woman is entangled in the fall. In the Resurrection, the voice of women becomes the first proclamation of new life.

From fall → to redemption

*B) Truth does not depend on human approval*

Even if society dismisses their testimony: God validates it. The truth stands regardless of cultural bias.

*C) The Gospel is inclusive* 

The Resurrection reveals a Kingdom where: The marginalized are central. The “last” become “first”

*4) Relevance for Our Life Today*

*A) God values what the world overlooks* : Your worth is not defined by society’s standards. God sees faithfulness, not status

*B) Availability matters more than ability* : The women were not powerful or influential—but they were present

Spiritual lesson: Showing up with love matters more than having credentials

*C) Be ready to carry the message* 

Like the women, we are called to: Encounter Christ

Share that experience with others

*D) Courage to witness truth* 

The women had to: Speak in a culture that dismissed them. Carry a message others might doubt

This calls us to speak truth even when it’s inconvenient or ignored

*E) Faith involves both fear and joy* 

Matthew says: “with fear and great joy”

Real faith often holds: Uncertainty + trust. Awe + hope

*5) Points to Ponder*

The choice of women as first witnesses is a quiet but powerful revolution.

It tells us: God does not follow human systems of importance. He reveals Himself to those who love, seek, and remain faithful.

And perhaps the deepest message is this: The Resurrection begins not in power, but in love, fidelity, and openness.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*