On this Monday, after the great celebration of Easter Sunday, we might ask ourselves, “So, is that it?” After doing our best to pray, fast, and give alms, what happens next? Well, for starters, we keep celebrating! We celebrate these eight days, each one as another Easter.
In essence, we find at the conclusion of this Octave of Easter what Jesus accomplished and offers to all, the celebration of His Divine Mercy in a particular way on this coming Sunday.
Today’s psalm reminds us that even during our Easter celebration, we still need the refuge, counsel, and exhortation of God. And we know this by watching the news, talking with family and friends, and alone with our own thoughts.
In today’s gospel from Matthew, this is evident as we heard that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary quickly left “… the empty tomb, fearful yet overjoyed.” That’s possibly what we feel at times, encouraged and wanting to change our lives, but at the same time, afraid of what change will mean for us.
It was in this state of opposing emotions of these two women that Jesus meets them “on their way …” and “… greeted them.” They had a choice, would they let fear overcome them and not believe it was Jesus and possibly run away from Him or would they have faith?
What the two Marys did is what we are called to do when Jesus meets us in the Word, the Eucharist, in prayer, the Mass, Confession, or in any of the Sacraments or other moments …we are to move toward Him, give Him our reverence, and embrace His love for us.
When we trust in Jesus, it’s then we can hear His words, “Do not be afraid,” and believe them. Jesus speaks to each of us both when we are having a good day or when it’s a tough one. He is there for us, especially when we are wrestling with trying to believe in Him.
Can you imagine the roller coaster of emotions the disciples of Jesus must have been going through, learning to trust in Jesus, the son of Joseph and Mary, the carpenter … but then seeing the signs, miracles, and hearing His teaching, only to see His Passion and Death?
Then discovering the empty tomb and wondering, “is it possible that what He promised had actually come true?” Our faith journeys most likely follow a similar pattern. We come to know God first as a child, and our knowledge and faith grow. Then, something happens at a later age, and doubt or discouragement can creep in.
The empty tomb, the burial cloths, the appearance of the risen Christ on this Easter Monday, and Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid,” are all meant to help each one of us today to face whatever challenges are in our lives, not alone but with the risen Jesus and one another, brothers, and sisters in Christ.
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