Read Online
While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and
told the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests
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.’”
Matthew 28:11–13
Imagine being one of the Roman guards tasked with keeping watch
outside Jesus’ tomb. They likely had little interest in what seemed
to them merely a religious dispute between Jesus, the chief
priests, and elders. Some of Jesus’ followers believed He would
rise from the dead, and there were rumors that they might steal
Jesus’ body to claim that He had. With Pilate’s approval, the Roman
guards were stationed outside the tomb, perhaps talking, playing
games, or just resting.
The context of today’s Gospel is important to understand. Matthew
28:2–7 tells us that as the guards were at the tomb, there was
suddenly an earthquake, and “an angel of the Lord descended from
heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.” The
angel appeared “like lightning, and his clothing was white as
snow.” The guards “were shaken with fear of the angel and became
like dead men.” It must have been quite a scene to behold.
Recall that prior to Jesus’ death, Roman soldiers had treated Him
with cruelty: they scourged Him, mocked Him, forced Him to carry
His cross, and killed Him. Yet, Matthew’s Gospel points out that
some Roman soldiers were converted when they saw how Jesus died.
The earth quaked, rocks split, and tombs were opened. When they
witnessed this, they were filled with fear and said, “Truly, this
was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).
In addition to the guards, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had
just arrived at the tomb to witness the event. The guards watched
and listened as the angel spoke to the women, saying, “Do not be
afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not
here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the
place where he lay…”
Again, imagine being one of those Roman guards. When they reported
what happened to the chief priests, they might have expected them
to believe their story. Instead, the priests bribed them,
instructing them to spread the story that they had fallen asleep
and that Jesus’ followers stole the body. Falling asleep on duty
for a Roman guard was a serious offense, punishable by death, but
fear and greed won out. They took the money and spread the lie. Yet
what they saw would have stirred their hearts, likely stirring
their consciences for the rest of their lives.
It’s entirely possible that in the years ahead, some of these
guards began to speak openly about what they experienced. As they
pondered what happened, witnessed faith in Jesus grow, and
reflected on their dishonesty, some might have found the strength
to repent and speak the truth. God, in His perfect mercy, would
have accepted that repentance, healed their consciences, and filled
them with strength and consolation. Just as Peter’s denial was
transformed by God’s mercy, so too might these soldiers have been
transformed with time and grace.
Reflect today on these Roman guards and put yourself in their
shoes. Are there times when you have downplayed your faith around
others because it was easier? Have you felt fear when your faith
was challenged? Have you been pressured to misrepresent your
convictions to fit in? If so, you can both relate to the guards and
learn from them. Even if you have struggled to profess the Gospel
with honesty and courage in the past, it is never too late to
change. As we celebrate the octave of the Resurrection, resolve to
be a witness to the Resurrection with courage and sincerity.
Reflect on any reasons you might hesitate, and pray for the grace
to proclaim it joyfully, rejoicing in the incredible privilege of
openly professing faith in our resurrected Lord!
My victorious Savior, Your Resurrection affects all people. At
the end of time, all will know Who You are and what You have done.
Please give me the grace to profess my faith in Your glorious
victory over sin and death so that others will come to know You
before it is too late and have the courage to follow You in faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: Jesus rising from the grave
Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com —
Copyright 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This
content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use.
Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use
within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without
written permission.
Kommentare (0)
Melde dich an, um einen Kommentar zu schreiben.