Scripture:
Acts 2:14, 22-23
Matthew 28:8-15
Reflection:
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Some people are talking about the potential impact of the rise in prices and what the market is doing to their retirement savings. Are you and your family worried? Today’s scripture readings may be helpful. The gospel describes the women’s initial encounter with Jesus after his resurrection. Jesus tells them “Do not be afraid” go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me. The phrase “Do not be afraid” is used 365 times in the bible. This is interpreted as God reminding us not to be afraid.
Jesus tells the women to go to Galilee. Galilee is the place where the disciples originated, lived, worked, and formed their identity. It is their hometown that the resurrected Jesus manifested himself to them. When and where do you experience the divine presence of Jesus? “Galilee” can be your home, your family, your workplace, your sacred space for silence and prayer. Galilee, where the resurrected Jesus chose to manifest himself, is with us to comfort us, assist us and to calm our fears and worries.
The women not only experienced fear but joy. Joy is a sign of the divine presence in our midst. To what degree are we joyful? How often do we allow ourselves to experience true joy within our family life, our work, our church gatherings? Lord, allow joy to overcome my fear, and help me to trust that your divine presence is with us always.
Carl Middleton is a theologian/ethicist and a member of the Passionist Family.