As the women proceeded on their way, some of the guards went into the city, and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.
The chief priests met with the elders, and decided to give the soldiers a large sum of money, with this order,
“Say that his disciples came by night while you were asleep, and stole the body of Jesus. If Pilate comes to know of this,
we will explain the situation and keep you out of trouble.” The soldiers accepted the money and did as they were told.
This story has circulated among the Jews until this day.
REFLECTION:
The bold and fearless proclamation of Peter in the first reading stands in stark contrast to truly sad and even pathetic attitude displayed by the chief priests in the Gospel.
Whereas the disciples are now rejoicing in the fulfillment of God’s promise, the very persons to whom Jesus was sent,
still choose to remain blind and unbelieving. Unable now to contain the truth,
they choose instead to spread a lie – one that they themselves most likely do not believe.
There is perhaps nothing sadder than when human beings choose to lie to themselves. But that’s precisely what the chief priests do in the Gospel.
Freed from their fear, the disciples now rejoice. We can only imagine what was transpiring in the hearts of the priests and elders.
One thing is certain though, it could not have been joy.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020