THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Wives, emerging from humiliation, come forth, for they lack understanding. For this reason, He who creates me will protect me from harm, while He who fashioned them will show mercy. He declared that the flock dwelling therein would be released and that it would, as previously mentioned, become prey and subject to consumption, since Israel had already severed its connection with God through its iniquities against Christ, abandoning the first covenant. Moreover, with the customs of the law having been set aside, He instructed the pious women to proclaim the resurrection of our Savior. Matthew recalls this event, stating: "But on the evening of the Sabbath, when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the sepulchre. And there was great fear.
Read more (499 words)
And as they were greatly alarmed, the blessed angel said to them, 'Fear not: for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And quickly go, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and behold, he goes before you into Galilee: there shall you see him. And after the message of the angel, Jesus said, 'Rejoice!' and he came, stood before them, and they worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid: go and tell my brethren, that they may go into Galilee, and there they shall see me’” (Matthew 28:1-10).
Thus, after Israel's rejection, you wise women are urged to boldly announce the one who conquered death, eradicated corruption, and through faith brings justification to the fallen, delivering them from their impurities and granting new life to those who come to Him. He has revealed a new existence, the life of the gospel, to those on the earth, nullified the law's demands, illuminated the truth, and shown those who honor Him a clear path for worship in spirit and in truth. Therefore, go forth, for Israel has lost hope. They are void of understanding, petrified in heart, enveloped in darkness, and surrendered to a life of sin. Consequently, they disregard Christ, who exhorts, "Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you" (John 12:35).
It is indeed remarkable to consider why the Savior chose these wise women, for one might inquire: Were there not holy disciples better suited to proclaim the resurrection as heralds of divine truths? Why were they not the first to witness Jesus, the conqueror of death? Instead, He appeared to the women, granting them the honor of apostleship, commanding them to convey to the disciples that Christ had risen from the dead, making them the first to witness His glory. We respond that the only begotten Word of the Father became flesh to heal the sick and redeem humanity from its ancient sins. Thus, it was fitting that women should be the bearers of the good news of the resurrection; for the first woman, who succumbed to the serpent’s deceit, led Adam to fall and became the source of death. Could not the apostleship rectify such grave transgression? "Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more" (Romans 5:20). The message of salvation was thus entrusted to the woman who was at the origin of death.
It was essential to declare to them, "Rejoice in Him who placed the curse at the beginning; He told her, 'In sorrow you shall bring forth children'" (Genesis 3:16). So the first transgression is countered by the second, and the affliction is healed. He commands the gospel to be preached after He had turned away from the Jews, for they remained in their folly and ignorance. Having created them, He chose not to show mercy, as they proved unworthy of His compassion.