The resurrection of Christ. His commission to his disciples.
28:1. And in the end of the sabbath, when it began to dawn towards the
first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the other Mary, to see the
sepulchre.
28:2. And behold there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord
descended from heaven and coming rolled back the stone and sat upon it.
28:3. And his countenance was as lightning and his raiment as snow.
28:4. And for fear of him, the guards were struck with terror and became
as dead men.
28:5. And the angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you: for I
know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
28:6. He is not here. For he is risen, as he said. Come, and see the
place where the Lord was laid.
28:7. And going quickly, tell ye his disciples that he is risen. And
behold he will go before you into Galilee. There you shall see him. Lo,
I have foretold it to you.
28:8. And they went out quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great
joy, running to tell his disciples.
28:9. And behold, Jesus met them, saying: All hail. But they came up and
took hold of his feet and adored him.
28:10. Then Jesus said to them: Fear not. Go, tell my brethren that they
go into Galilee. There they shall see me.
28:11. Who when they were departed, behold, some of the guards came into
the city and told the chief priests all things that had been done.
28:12. And they being assembled together with the ancients, taking
counsel, gave a great sum of money to the soldiers,
28:13. Saying: Say you, His disciples came by night and stole him away
when we were asleep.
28:14. And if the governor shall hear of this, we will persuade him and
secure you.
28:15. So they taking the money, did as they were taught: and this word
was spread abroad among the Jews even unto this day.
28:16. And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain
where Jesus had appointed them.
28:17. And seeing him they adored: but some doubted.
28:18. And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me
in heaven and in earth.
All power, etc... See here the warrant and commission of the apostles
and their successors, the bishops and pastors of Christ's church. He
received from his Father all power in heaven and in earth: and in virtue
of this power, he sends them (even as his Father sent him, St. John 20.
21) to teach and disciple, not one, but all nations; and instruct them
in all truths: and that he may assist them effectually in the execution
of this commission, he promises to be with them, not for three or four
hundred years only, but all days, even to the consummation of the world.
How then could the Catholic Church ever go astray; having always with
her pastors, as is here promised, Christ himself, who is the way, the
truth, and the life. St. John 14.
28:19. Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
28:20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the
world.