Do Not Be Afraid

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And 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. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then 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.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’ While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘You must say, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the people to this day. Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. Matthew 28:1-16

We gleefully hide Easter eggs, dress in bold finery and celebrate Easter with great joy and delight. We have no fear or trepidation in this season, but rather delight in the blossoms on the altar and the bright colors returning to our world. What we fail to see is the real terror of Easter morning and the days which followed. Not only were the disciples terrified, but the religious leaders were also terrified. The disciples were afraid they would be rounded up and killed as well. The religious leaders were horrified that their plans had not worked, so they invented a coverup. When human beings are rattled like this, daily life is upended, and no sense of calm or normalcy can return. We all have known times like these although we do not relate them to Easter. Yet, the Christ who was crucified and was raised, turned the world upside down, and unsettled the status quo forever.

Wondrous Creator, you daily send us peace

in the middle of storms of human selfishness

amidst the cruelty and divisiveness around us

you seek us out and shelter us in your arms.

We now forget the sacrifice you have made

and want a faith of comforts and softness for us

yet you love us in the middle of human brutality

and stand with us when we are isolated and alone.

Help us to be your heart and hands here on earth

let us use the gifts you have given to revive the suffering

strengthened us to stand up to bullies and abusers

so the most vulnerable may find their way to you. Amen.