Root Of Evil Or Good

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news 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.”

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.’ And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day. (Matthew 28:8-15)

Two Mary’s have a prominent role in this Gospel reading.  Jesus’ mother, Mary, is not.  Some believe that the meaning of the name Mary originated from the Egyptian name mry (beloved) or mr (love).  If so, that would be fitting for these two women who knew and cared for Jesus.  

Remarkably, Matthew writes that “Jesus met them on their way (to the disciples) and greeted them.”  The Mary’s embraced his feet meaning his body was real and could be touched.  He had just been crucified and then entombed, yet later he spoke and had living flesh, according to Matthew.  

Although we cannot touch his living flesh, we can symbolically do so when reach out to help and love one another. When we touch their hearts with compassion, they come alive and, in many cases, they rise from despair and loneliness. 

In an earlier reading we read about Judas and the 30 pieces of silver.  Here we read about a “large sum of money” being given to soldiers by the chief priests and elders to buy their silence and lie about Jesus’ disappearance.  It worked.   

The expression: “Money is the root of all evil” is more convincing when we realize what it can buy: betrayal and deceit.   Then again, money can be put to good purpose in the name of love and compassion.  For example, CTK parishioners are helping “Food For The Poor” by supporting families in El Tablon, Guatemala.  The goal is to build 20 two-bedroom homes with water and new sanitation; repairs for 34 homes, including new doors, windows, and roofs; and the provision of 20 fruit trees.  The cost is $265,558.  

This Easter season we should behave like the two Mary’s and show mr.

Deacon David Pierce