This is the beginning of the resurrection account. Matthew points out that the women — arriving to anoint his body (see Luke) were the first witnesses. He also said that the events were enough to make trained and hardened soldiers “like dead men”.

Our reaction to the power of a storm is fear: God is bigger than the storm. It is unsurprising that the guards were like that. The angel had to tell the women not to… fear.

Matthew 28:1-10

1After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

via Daily Lectionary Readings — Devotions and Readings — Ministries & Programs — GAMC.

Fear is our natural response in the face of the awe of God. Joy is the response we have in faith. It is not of us: it is a gift.