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be true. They were forced to resist the truth with an alternative
message. The soldiers/ watchmen had the choice to proclaim the
truth to their authorities, but had succumbed to bribe.
The chief priests tried to cover up that inconvenient
truth with a convenient lie that the disciples had stolen Jesus’
body. Furthermore, leaders anticipated that the soldiers might
feel uneasy telling such a story since it involved admitting that
they were negligent in their duties, something for which they
could be punished by the Governor. So the Jewish leaders boldly
said that they would satisfy the Governor and keep the soldiers
out of trouble.

The chief priest knew that many people believed in Jesus.
The crowds had heard his teaching and realised that Jesus had
authority. Many of them had seen and even experienced his
miracles and knew that God was with him. And at least some
considered Jesus the Christ as the Messiah; the one whom God
had sent to save his people. That is what many believed, and the
priests knew it. And what if it was all true? What if Jesus really
had risen from the dead, proving he was God’s Messiah? If he
was the Messiah, then they, (the religious leaders) in Israel, had
done a grave mistake by handing over God’s anointed Saviour to
the Romans to be crucified.

However, they were keen on protecting the status quo.
To accept the resurrection had implications for them that
they would lose their prominence, their authority and their
reputation.

Conclusion

Many a times, FEAR & FAILURE are the two factors that
weaken our perspectives to accept the truth. Re-imaging the
Baptismal experience enables us to encounter and experience
the truth and accept the challenges; and also it reminds us to
partake effectively in the mission and ministry of the Church
(Ecclesia) to envision the cross.

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Lenten Meditations Re - Imaging People