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.’ Matthew 28:1-10

It is easy to tell someone not to be afraid, it's another thing to be able to be unafraid. The women that loved Jesus had spent days in terror, fearing for their lives and the lives of Jesus' followers. Despite all the reasons to be afraid, they did not stay hidden and went out to the tomb. We would forgive them for hiding, but they chose to walk into a dangerous situation for the love and care of their teacher and friend. They expected to find armed guards who would send them away. Instead, they found a stone rolled away, an angel to greet them and guards either asleep or stunned. They went and they stayed, despite all the fear and personal danger and in doing so, they witnessed the resurrection. Jesus restored to life, stood in front of them and made them the first evangelists. May we remember, when we are afraid, we might just find Jesus in the midst of it all.

Wondrous Creator, who seeds hope in dark clouds

who makes miracles to happen to the least of us

you call us to be unafraid even in the scariest times.

We believe that there is nothing new to witness or tell

yet you move in every generation and bring new hope

so that the unlikely ones might witness your glory.

Take away our fear, Lord, and make us go forth in love

for you love this broken world and all to creation here

and daily send angels to show us your living presence today. Amen.