Pope at Regina Coeli: “The risen
Jesus walks beside us”
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| Pope Francis during the Regina Coeli (Vatican Media) |
Pope Francis prays the Regina Coeli in St Peter’s Square on
Easter Monday and reflects on the Gospel of St Matthew that describes the women
meeting Jesus at the empty tomb.
By Vatican News
The role of women as the first witness of the Resurrection:
before praying the Regina Coeli, which takes the place of the Angelus during
the Easter season, the Pope reflected on the Gospel of the day for Easter
Monday, in which St Matthew takes us back to the empty tomb of Jesus.
Women the first witnesses
“The women, full of awe and joy, are leaving in a hurry to
go and bring the news to the disciples; and at that moment Jesus presents
Himself before them”, said Pope Francis. The Lord tells them not to be afraid
and encourages them to go and announce to their friends what has happened. “All
the Gospels emphasize the role of women, Mary of Magdala and the others, as the
first witnesses of the resurrection”, said the Pope. They were the first to
meet the Risen Christ “and to bring the message that He was alive”.
We too called to be witnesses
Pope Francis said the words of Jesus addressed to the women
resound for us today too: "Do not be afraid; go and proclaim...We too are
called to meet Him personally and to become His heralds and witnesses”, he
said. “The risen Jesus walks beside us”, continued Pope Francis, “He manifests
Himself to those who call on Him and who love Him”. We meet Jesus, first of
all, in prayer, said the Pope, “but also in simple joys lived with faith and
gratitude”, sharing moments of friendship and welcome, or even contemplating
nature.
The words of the Angels
Pope Francis reminded us of the words spoken to the women by
the Angels at the empty tomb on that first day after the Sabbath: "Why do
you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, He is risen".
Christ’s resurrection was “humanly unthinkable”, said the
Pope. He described it as “the most shocking event in human history”. But the
Resurrection of Jesus is also proof of the victory of God's Love over sin and
death, he said. It is what gives our hope of life “a rock-sold foundation”.
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