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 Jews to this day. Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. Matthew 28:1-16

One of the most common things spoken by angels is "do not be afraid". This is always spoken to terrified, uncertain people. Jesus says it often too in the Gospels. And we need to hear these words today, as our spirits are terrified, hurting and undone by war and other present atrocities. Behind the scenes in Matthew's Gospel account of the resurrection are political and social manipulations going on at the highest level, always involving money. The faithful women saw Jesus that day assured them of s love and care for them. To all of the troubles and terrors we face today, God speaks to our hearts. "Do not be afraid!"

Loving Creator, author of peace and all healing

you showed your love to the world by raising Jesus

and by promising us all that we have nothing to fear.

We live in troubling, unsettling and terrifying days

when the innocent ones are crushed by the greedy ones

and daily threats of devastation and major calamity.

Help us, dear Lord, to live every day without fear

for you hold us is your loving arms and promise

to be with us in bad times and good, bringing us peace. Amen.