Lectio Divina for Octave of Easter
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 28:1-10
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to
see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing
was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel
said to the women in reply, “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. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see
him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and
ran to announce this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They
approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell
my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Meditation
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on or more of the following questions:
– What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
– What in this passage comforted you?
– What in this passage challenged you?
Contemplation
Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. What makes me afraid and hesitant
to do what is right? How does my faith strengthen me in spite of my fears and doubts?
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. When have I relied on God’s promises? How does
God’s Word give me strength in life’s difficulties?
Then they went away quickly form the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his
disciples. When have I felt both fearful and overjoyed? How can better share the wonder and awe that
comes from faith in Christ?
After a period of silent reflection recite the Lord’s Prayer.
Living the Word This Week
How can I make my life a gift for others in charity?
Reach out to someone who is suffering from fear or doubt, either in person or by offering your prayers.
