St Matthew 28:1-10
Matthew's version of the Resurrection
On the morning of the resurrection two women called Mary went to the tomb to find it empty. They had gone because they needed to go, in the way very often, a person will linger, after the death of a loved one lingers. To do otherwise is, to somehow let go, when everything within us wants to hold on.
These women were met with the empty tomb, and according to the gospel writer, an angel telling them, "He has risen". The words, “Do not be afraid”, are mentioned not once but twice in this passage. Do you recall at the birth of Jesus the angels said to the shepherds” Do not be afraid”. The natural response to something beyond our understanding is very often fear. Those followers of Jesus were fearful for a variety of reasons, not least that their leader had been executed, but the angel urges them to put fear aside and go share the Good News of resurrection with the other disciples.
Overcoming fear is one of the challenges we face today. I hope and pray we do not succumb to it as we go through these troubling times.
Matthew's version of the Resurrection
On the morning of the resurrection two women called Mary went to the tomb to find it empty. They had gone because they needed to go, in the way very often, a person will linger, after the death of a loved one lingers. To do otherwise is, to somehow let go, when everything within us wants to hold on.
These women were met with the empty tomb, and according to the gospel writer, an angel telling them, "He has risen". The words, “Do not be afraid”, are mentioned not once but twice in this passage. Do you recall at the birth of Jesus the angels said to the shepherds” Do not be afraid”. The natural response to something beyond our understanding is very often fear. Those followers of Jesus were fearful for a variety of reasons, not least that their leader had been executed, but the angel urges them to put fear aside and go share the Good News of resurrection with the other disciples.
Overcoming fear is one of the challenges we face today. I hope and pray we do not succumb to it as we go through these troubling times.