There are three parts in this Sunday’s Gospel reading. The first part takes place on the evening of the first day of the week (Sunday), on the same day as Jesus’ resurrection.

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew is the longest in the four Gospels. Matthew composed his Gospel in the mid-eighties of the first Christian century.

It was the first day of the week, the day we call Sunday. The body of Jesus had been entombed late Friday afternoon. On the Sabbath all Jews rested, including the disciples of Jesus.