In Mathew’s Gospel we are told that the angel told the women at the tomb “Do not be afraid…” and then “they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed” ( Mt 28: 5,8) This year with the unprecedented circumstances of the Pandemic, we too likely find ourselves to be both “fearful, yet overjoyed”. Fearful of the pandemic and its effects on our lives, including the inability to join together this Easter in public prayer, and joyful because our faith gives us hope in the midst of fear.
- Faith in the Resurrection
- Faith in God’s love for us
- Faith in our love for God
Pope Francis said “Hope is the virtue of love …if there is no hope, we are not Christian… Do not allow yourselves to be robbed of hope. May we not be robbed of hope, because this strength (hope) is a grace, a gift from God which carries us forward with our eyes fixed on heaven (Homily, August 15,2013)
Fear makes bad decisions. And fear can become a tool of the deceiver, especially when fear holds us back from experiencing God and from loving each other.
Easter is the antidote to fear. “And behold, Jesus met them on their way (leaving the tomb) and greeted them. (He) said to them ‘Do Not Be Afraid’. (Mt 28:10). So this Easter, resist the temptations of fear and clothe yourselves in the Hope and faith that come from Jesus’ Resurrection. Be like the disciple leaving the tomb “fearful yet overjoyed” May the Joy, hope and love of Easter be with all of us.
He is Risen
Alleluia
Fr. Shafique Masih
(From the April 12, 2020 Joyful News)
St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy Catholic Church 