Tuesday, April 7. Matthew 28:11-15.

There is a new show on TV called Secrets and Lies. I’ve not seen it, and I have no desire to see it, but the premise of the show describes how one man discovers a body and the ensuing investigation uncovers all the secrets and lies of his seemingly quiet suburban cul-de-sac.

Why does Hollywood make shows like that? Why does it seem like every TV show is either a homicide detective with dead bodies, a reality show full of petty shouting matches, or a gruesome show about the undead or a dark hero?

Human beings are complicated. We long for the light, but we are riddled with darkness. We cry out for freedom, yet we continually sell ourselves to the slave masters of our addictions and fear. We are constantly in the struggle between the two.

I think that is why Matthew included this story in the Gospel. Jesus rose from the dead and changed the world forever. This is our hope. This is the massive “RESTART” button on creation. So, what did the religious leaders do in response? They paid the guards to tell a lie and covered up the story. They said that Jesus’ disciples overpowered them and took the body.

The beautiful truth of God’s deliverance from death and sin has been shrouded in secrets and lies since the moment it happened. This is the human condition.

Each day we are called to slow down and center ourselves in the truth. He is risen. He is risen, indeed! Alleluia! May we walk in the power of the resurrection: The way, the TRUTH, and the life.