EASTER VIGIL

MASS OF EASTER NIGHT-YEAR A

I Reading: Romans 6:3-11: The reading expresses the closeness of the bond between Christ and the believer in baptism, death, resurrection and the new life.

Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10: The reading presents what is the corner stone of our faith, the Lord’s resurrection.

THE MESSIAH’S RESURRECTION:SURROUNDING EVENTS,

MT 28:1-15

Matthew reports five significant events surrounding the resurrection-events that stir interest and challenge action.

1. The time of the resurrection (v.1)

2. The first witnesses of the resurrection (v.1)

          a. Mary Magdalene

          b. The other Mary

3. The miraculous events of the resurrection (v.2-4)

          a. The great earthquake

          b. The great stone rolled back

          c. The radiant figure

                    1) Appearance: Dazzling

                    2) Clothing: As snow

          d. The guards terrified

                    1) Shook

                    2) Acted as dead men

4. The appeals of the resurrection (v.5-10)

          a. Do not fear

                    1) Your seeking Messiah is known

                    2) He was crucified

                    3) He is risen

          b. Come, see: believe and live

          c. Go quickly and tell: The glorious news

                    1) He meets you

                    2) You will see Him

                    3) The women obeyed: With fear and great joy

          d. Greetings: The glorious encounter with Jesus Himself

5. The attempt to discredit the resurrection (v.11-15)

          a. The guards reported the resurreciton

          b. The authorities were baffled: Devised a plan

          c. The authorities bribed and assured the soldiers of protection from Pilate

          d. The lie was found out: The truth marched on

Thought: Thinking and meditating upon the Lord will help us to understand the Lord and prepare us to receive the great truth of His resurrection. (Is 1:18). The power of God is awesome and terrifying.

Believers can become witnesses of the Lord’s death and resurrection-clear witnesses. They can see as though they were eye-witnesses-all by God’s Spirit. (Gal 3:1; Jn 14:24; Rom 8:16).

www.believeinthegoodnews.blogspot.com