Dr. Augustin Sokolovski
At Matins on the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, the second of the eleven Resurrection Gospel pericopes is read. This is the Second Resurrection Gospel reading at Matins, one of the eleven Resurrection Gospel readings in the liturgical cycle, which repeats throughout the year. Let us recall that the eleven Gospel accounts and passages read at Sunday Matins correspond to the eleven appearances of Christ the Savior as recorded in the New Testament.
The second pericope is taken from the Gospel of Mark (Mark 16:1–8), which concludes with the account of an angel appearing to the Myrrh-bearing Women and proclaiming the news of the Resurrection. The passage ends with the words: “So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (Mark 16:8).
As commentators have noted, this text has a continuation in some manuscripts, although the longer ending of Mark is absent from certain early witnesses. Nothing happens by chance, and it is important for the Church to reflect on what has been given to us in these words: “And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (Mark 16:8).
Let us draw a lesson for ourselves: there is nothing blameworthy in fear when it arises from a profound awareness of the supernatural significance of what is taking place. The Lord permits this silence, for it will ultimately give way to the proclamation of the Resurrection.
The essential thing is not to proclaim the word of God, the dogmas of the faith, or the Gospel message hastily. Even on the eve of the Lord’s Day, the Church celebrates, yet does so in quietness and silence, so that the following day all may gather to celebrate the risen Lord.