Homily Thursday in the Octave of Easter (Lk 24:35-48) “Be Not Afraid”
Homily Thursday in the Octave of Easter (Lk 24:35-48) “Be Not Afraid”
When we read the Easter stories we hear about the emotions of the disciples as they try to come to grips with the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. We could say that their feelings vary from disbelief, to wonder, to sadness, to fear. We hear about the disciples being fearful most often. What were they afraid of?
We might imagine that they had a fear of being arrested. If the authorities put Jesus to death, we can easily imagine them putting his followers to death. The elite of Jerusalem and the Romans wanted to wipe out the Jesus movement before it could get a foot hold. So, the disciples of Jesus were probably afraid for their lives.
The disciples might also have been afraid because of the supernatural events they were witnessing. We all can relate to that. Most of us have walked through a haunted house at Halloween and been startled by something that goes on there. Our reaction is fear.
The apostles might also have been ashamed of how they had deserted Jesus when he was arrested. They had run to save their own lives. Some had even said they did not know him. Perhaps the disciples of Jesus were scared that the resurrected Jesus’ purpose was to get some sense of revenge or to punish those who had denied him.
As we think about this, we remember the words of Jesus when he appeared to his followers after the resurrection. His words were always the same, “Do not be afraid.” If the disciples had really listened to Jesus when he preached, they would have known that Jesus turned the other cheek, and that Jesus would forgive seventy time seven times.
Jesus puts his preaching into practice in a very concrete way. St. Peter and the other apostles are completely restored to their former status in Jesus’ movement. They were still the leaders. Their fear was unfounded. The love they had for Jesus only grew and they learned not to be afraid.
Reflection Questions:
- What evokes fear in me? Am I afraid of violence that may be directed at me? Am I afraid that I may be embarrassed in front of others?
- Do I believe Jesus grows angry with me? How do I dispel my fears if I am feeling this way?
Dear Parishioners,
On the first and second Sundays of May we will be having First Communion. Usually, we have these celebrations at our 11 a.m. Mass. We were going to do this again this year. We have decided to change our plans now. We are adding a Mass at 1 p.m. on May 2nd and 9th. That will be our First Communion Mass.
A combination of things has brought about this decision. Our Mass attendance has picked up over the last few weeks. We still need to mask and social distance. The number of people that we can have in church still must limited (25% of capacity). These restrictions probably will not be changed in the next month. Adding a Mass will allow us to have more people attend First Communion.
I appreciate everyone’s understanding as we try to keep up with the latest changes in CDC guidance. Everyone has been most cooperative so far. Let’s keep taking care of each other and when the time comes, get inoculated.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark