4.20.14

              
Lectio:   Mt 28.8-15                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Meditatio: “They assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘You are to say, “His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.” And if this gets to the  governor’s ear, we will satisfy [him] and keep you out of trouble.” Mt 28. 12-14

Oratio: "O God, what how cruel of the religious elite to conspire with the soldiers to keep the great news of Jesus’ resurrection from the people.
       
I remember the story that the elders paid the soldiers to spread continued to be circulated among the Jews even to the time that the Gospel of Matthew was written - @ 80A.D. How sad for the people who were deprived of this Good News; how terrible of the religious leaders to spread lies to protect their positions!  May I always rejoice and readily proclaim the Good News that Christ has died, Christ is risen; Christ will come again.  This is our faith! This is our hope! This is the source of everlasting joy!

I  ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
                                               
Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what.
God is saying to you

Operatio: “elders...gave...money...soldiers...disciples stole him”; the religious leaders certainly were clever for they not only bribed the soldiers with a lot of money but also assured them that their falling asleep on duty, which is a major dereliction for a soldier, would not get them in trouble with the Governor for they would bribe him, too. How many Jews lost their way because of this deceit - we do not know; But the elders certainly did not deserve clemency at the Mercy Throne.

Tomorrow's reading: Jn 20.11-18                                                                              

Happy Easter, everyone! This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!