Luke 24:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The stone was already removed (cf. Matt. 28:2). Regarding the Myrrh-bearing Women, there is a consensus and no inconsistencies present. These writings are credited to St. John Chrysostom and are categorized as Spuria in the Minya edition.

They discovered the stone had been rolled aside from the grave, which occurred when the angel moved it, as stated in Matthew (Matthew 28:2).

The women approached the tomb since the guards were asleep. Their slumber indicates a profound fear that often accompanies such states. The chief priests and elders corroborate this occurrence happened during the night, as they instruct the guards to declare: "Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept" (Matthew 28:13). Their falsehood relies on the time they heard about from the guards. John clarifies that Mary Magdalene came to Peter and him in the morning while it was still dark (John 20:1), yet it is evident from his narrative that she was unaware of the resurrection at that point. Had it occurred in the evening, it certainly would have been known by then.

The removal of the stone represents the revelation of divine mysteries that were once concealed and bound by the written law, which itself was inscribed on stone. For us, if we embrace the suffering and resurrection of our Lord, the tomb that had contained Him is now opened. We may approach the grave but discover that the Lord’s body is not there. Instead, we reflect deeply on His incarnation and sufferings, remembering that He triumphed over death and is no longer seen in His earthly form. However, both Jews and Gentiles remain like a sealed tomb, unable to witness the Lord’s presence due to the heavy burden of their disbelief. They fail to comprehend that the One who was dead has vanquished death and has ascended to the heights of heaven.

While Mary was informing the apostles and they were rushing to the tomb, the other women who brought spices arrived first. Upon entering the tomb, they did not find the body of Jesus; instead, an angel appeared to them. The radiant angel made it clear that Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He had predicted prior to His crucifixion in Galilee. This moment marks not only the third incident but more accurately, the first significant announcement of the resurrection of the Lord. The myrrh-bearers were given all the confirmation they needed. The angel's appearance left such a profound impact that they could not question the truth of his message. Following the angel's guidance, they hurried to share this news with the apostles; however, they were filled with fear and did not disclose anything to those they encountered along the way, to whom this message pertained. (Mk. 16:8)

During the night, while all was quiet and everyone slept, the guards stood watch at the entrance of the tomb. Suddenly, a tremendous earthquake shook the ground, and the large stone sealing the entrance was rolled away in an instant. At that moment, the guards beheld a radiant being, cloaked in garments as white as snow, shining brilliantly like lightning. Overcome by fear, they were paralyzed by the astonishing sight, rendered as if dead. It is unclear how long they remained in such a state, but gradually regaining their senses, they began to retreat from the tomb, eager to share the news with their superiors. Some went to the chief priests, who had instructed them to keep watch.

As they neared the garden, a profound scene compelled them to speak. "Who will remove the stone from the entrance of the tomb for us?" they questioned in confusion. Clearly, in their muddled understanding of Him, they still perceived the Lord as deceased and lifeless, their sorrow focused solely on how they might lovingly prepare His body for eternal peace in the depths of the earth, hindered by this barrier. Just as the Myrrh-bearing women lamented their fresh sorrow, a surprising and remarkable sight unfolded before them: the stone had been taken away and the tomb was open!