A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew 28:1–10
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he* lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead,* and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’
Rejoice, do not be afraid.
Today, on this Holy Saturday, we accompany our Mother in the silence of the tomb, waiting for the light brought by Christ’s Resurrection. The earth trembles, the stone is moved, and an angel announces what seemed impossible: Jesus has risen!
So too in our married life, at times everything can seem still, heavy, even lifeless when doubts, fears, fatigue, or selfishness seem to rule our hearts. Today Christ invites us to look beyond our darkness, to discover the light that conquers sin and death, and to live in the truth of a love that transforms daily life into a reflection of His divine love.
To love our spouse with Christ’s love is to live the Resurrection day by day: to die to selfishness and be born into self-giving, to die to pride and live in communion. Like the two Marys who went to the tomb, we sometimes lack the faith to believe that after sacrifice, life always comes. We find it hard to accept that self-giving out of love, even when it hurts or requires sacrifice, leads to fullness and joy.
Christ assures us that even in doubt and fear, He goes before us and says: “Rejoice.” He calls us to be witnesses of His love and to live in communion with Him, so that His work may be made visible in us and through us. May we learn to walk toward that light, embracing our spouse and living true love where Christ rises and hope is reborn.
Applied to married life:
Mary: David, today in prayer I felt that our love has gone through a resurrection.
David: Resurrection?
Mary: Yes… before, we loved each other from ourselves, measuring, comparing, expecting from the other… and that made it fragile.
David: That’s true, Mary… a very limited kind of love.
Mary: But now it feels different, as if it is born from Christ. When we allow ourselves to be filled by Him, we can love each other with peace, without demands or fear.
David: And everything changes… not because difficulties disappear, but because there is a source that sustains our love.
Mary: Exactly, my love. Our love now lives from something that does not run out, because it is born and sustained in Christ, the source of life and hope.
Mother,
Help us to remain beside your Son in silence and waiting, so that the light of His Resurrection may always fill our hearts. Blessed and praised are You forever, Lord!