Mary at the tomb; peace; Spirit given (John 20:10–23)

The disciples also fled to themselves by God’s economy, so that they might not suffer something before the proclamation, but Mary, conceiving nothing perfect, remained weeping at the tomb not only because he had died but also because she thought the Lord’s body had been moved.

So that she might weep more, she stooped into the tomb, to whom the angels speaking guidingly say “why do you weep,” urging her to ask something and learn about the resurrection, for which also they appeared clothed in white.

Remaining through affection she was counted worthy also of the angels’ vision.

To those he appeared more wondrous, but to the woman in a humble form, so as not to frighten her. Therefore she also thought him to be a gardener. She sees the Lord and did not recognize him either because of the darkness or because by God's fitting power he concealed himselflf. By economy she turned and saw the Lord yet did not recognize, so that she might not be troubled as seeing a demonic fantasy; for she still suspected that he was dead.

Swallowed by grief she still doubted about the resurrection.

With a certain manner the Lord names her, so that even so she may come to perception that he both rose and was present.

Since as far as it concerns you I am not God but a mere man about to be again with human beings according to the way of life before the passion and you do not think I will be with the Father, do not touch me.

As more intimate he grants this one the boast of the good news, as returning more than the others at the tomb and going about the tomb.

Since according to the essence of flesh the Son became our brother, as God by nature existing as the Father’s Son he says his Father; and God, as man according to us, he names God his God.

Since entering with the doors shut he made the disciples doubt whether perhaps what appeared was not a body but only a type, Luke clarifying the mind said: “Handle me and see, that a spirit does not have flesh and bones” (Luke 24:39) and he ate and showed the flesh’s wounds.

Through this he showed the Godhead’s strength. He did not present himself by day, so that all might be gathered; on the day he spoke with Mary he also appeared to the disciples by God-befitting power and with the doors shut, wondrously and unexpectedly appearing to them; for he was God, even if he had the thick body.

He showed the marks of the passion so that they might be assured that it was the same that had suffered, even if it had become spiritual and they had passed into incorruption. For this he showed them, to put all their turmoil to sleep.

Through this the word was fulfilled which the Lord said: “a little and you will see me,” “and your heart will rejoice” (John 16:16–22). Through the word of peace he looses their cowardice. “He himself is” Christ “our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). Yet through this we also were taught in the mystical assemblies to say to ourselves the word of peace.

Since through the cross all things have become easy, I send you to do the work which I did.

He gave them a spiritual gift of loosing sins and condemning. And others say that he made them fit for reception of the Spirit which they were going to receive after the ascent. For which reason he did not say “you have received Holy Spirit,” but “receive.” Yet it is possible to say that for forgiving sins they received the gift, and after Pentecost that of raising the