杏MAP导航

By Vatican News

The role of women as the first witness of the Resurrection: before praying the Regina Coeli, which takes the place of the Angelus during the Easter season, the 杏MAP导航 reflected on the Gospel of the day for Easter Monday, in which St Matthew takes us back to the empty tomb of Jesus.

Women the first witnesses

鈥淭he women, full of awe and joy, are leaving in a hurry to go and bring the news to the disciples; and at that moment Jesus presents Himself before them鈥�, said 杏MAP导航 Francis. The Lord tells them not to be afraid and encourages them to go and announce to their friends what has happened. 鈥淎ll the Gospels emphasize the role of women, Mary of Magdala and the others, as the first witnesses of the resurrection鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航. They were the first to meet the Risen Christ 鈥渁nd to bring the message that He was alive鈥�.

We too called to be witnesses

杏MAP导航 Francis said the words of Jesus addressed to the women resound for us today too: "Do not be afraid; go and proclaim...We too are called to meet Him personally and to become His heralds and witnesses鈥�, he said. 鈥淭he risen Jesus walks beside us鈥�, continued 杏MAP导航 Francis, 鈥淗e manifests Himself to those who call on Him and who love Him鈥�. We meet Jesus, first of all, in prayer, said the 杏MAP导航, 鈥渂ut also in simple joys lived with faith and gratitude鈥�, sharing moments of friendship and welcome, or even contemplating nature.

The words of the Angels

杏MAP导航 Francis reminded us of the words spoken to the women by the Angels at the empty tomb on that first day after the Sabbath: "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, He is risen".

Christ鈥檚 resurrection was 鈥渉umanly unthinkable鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航. He described it as 鈥渢he most shocking event in human history鈥�. But the Resurrection of Jesus is also proof of the victory of God's Love over sin and death, he said. It is what gives our hope of life 鈥渁 rock-sold foundation鈥�.