1   The Sabbath was over, and it was about daybreak on Sunday, when Mary of Magdala and the other Mary came to look at the grave. 2   Suddenly there was a violent earthquake; an angel of the Lord descended from heaven; he came to the stone and rolled it away, and sat himself down on it. 3   His face shone like lightning; his garments were white as snow. 4   At the sight of him the guards shook with fear and lay like the dead.

5   The angel then addressed the women: ‘You’, he said, ‘have nothing to fear. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6   He is not here; he has been raised again, as he said he would be. 7   Come and see the place where he was laid, and then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He has been raised from the dead and is going on before you into Galilee; there you will see him.” That is what I had to tell you.’

8   They hurried away from the tomb in awe and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples. 9   Suddenly Jesus was there in their path. He gave them his greeting, and they came up and clasped his feet, falling prostrate before him. 10   Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and take word to my brothers that they are to leave for Galilee. They will see me there.’

11   The women had started on their way when some of the guard went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12   After meeting with the elders and conferring together, 13   the chief priests offered the soldiers a substantial bribe and told them to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole the body while we were asleep.’ 14   They added, ‘If this should reach the Governor's ears, we will put matters right with him and see that you do not suffer.’ 15   So they took the money and did as they were told. This story became widely known, and is current in Jewish circles to this day.

16   The eleven disciples made their way to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to meet him. 17   When they saw him, they

The final conflict fell prostrate before him, though some were doubtful. 18   Jesus then came up and spoke to them. He said: ‘Full authority in heaven and on earth has been committed to me. 19   Go forth therefore and make all nations my disciples; baptize men everywhere in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20   and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And be assured, I am with you always, to the end of time.’

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