Commentary on Matthew

Matthew 28

324 ST. JEROME tomb, taking a cohort, sealing the stone, and resisting with all their might the one who was rising again. Thus did their diligence advance our faith.391 For the more [the tomb] is guarded , so much the more is the power of the Resurrection shown. This is also why he was laid in a new tomb that had been cut in rock. For if it had been built out of many stones, it could have been said that he was removed by theft, once the foundations of the mound had been dug under. That he had to be placed in a tomb is a testimony of the prophet who says: “He dwelt in a deep cave of very strong rock.”392 And at once, after two little verses, follows: “You will see the king with glory.”393 Chapter 28 28.1. Now on the evening of the sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. The fact that different times for these women are described in the Gospels is not a sign of falsehood, as the impious object. Rather, [it shows] the duties of diligent visitation. For they were going away and returning frequently and they could not endure to be absent from the Lord’s tomb even for a short while. 28.2–3. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and coming near rolled away the stone, and he was sitting upon it; but his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was like snow. Our Lord is one and the same Son of God and Son of man. According to both natures, divinity and flesh, he shows signs, now of his greatness, now of his humility. This is why in the present passage, though it is a man who was crucified, buried, and shut in the tomb, whom a stone holds back in opposition, nevertheless the things that are done outside show him to be the Son of God: the sun takes flight, darkness falls, the earth quakes, the curtain is torn, the rocks split, the dead are raised, there are services of angels, which even from the beginning of his birth proved that he was God.394 For ex391 . Cf. Homily 87 in FOTC 57, 219. 392. Is 33.16. 393. Is 33.17. 394. Cf. Mt 1.23. BOOK FOUR (22.41–28.20) 325 ample, Gabriel comes to Mary,395 an angel speaks with Joseph,396 it announces the same thing to shepherds;397 afterward a choir of angels is heard: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will.”398 He is tempted in the desert and immediately after his victory angels serve him.399 Now, too, an angel comes as a guard of the Lord’s tomb. By his bright clothing he expresses the glory of the triumphant one. And what is more, when the Lord ascends to heaven, two angels are seen on the Mount of Olives, promising the Savior’s second coming to the apostles.400 28.4–5. And for fear of him the guards were terrified and became like dead men. And the angel answered and said to the women: “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are seeking Jesus who was crucified.” The guards are completely terrified with fear.401 They lie there stupefied like dead men, and yet the angel consoles not them but the women: “Do not be afraid.” Let them be afraid, he says. Panic persists in those in whom abides unbelief. But as for you, since you are seeking the crucified Jesus, hear this: he has been resurrected and has fulfilled his promises. 28.6–7. “Come and see where he had been placed.” Thus, if you do not believe my words, you should believe the empty tomb. Go with quick steps and announce to his disciples that he has risen . And he is going ahead of you into Galilee, that is, into the quagmire402 of the Gentiles, where previously there was error and slipperiness, and where previously he did not place his footprint with a firm and stable foot. 28.8. And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, running to announce to his disciples. Two different feelings occupied the minds of the women: fear and joy. The former came from the greatness of the...