THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS TAKES AWAY OUR FEARS - 04/10/23 (Monday in the Octave of Easter)

Matthew 28:10

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040823.cfm

Blessed Easter Monday! For the whole week, we will see the many events in the Scriptures about the appearance of Jesus Christ in His glorified resurrected body. In today's gospel reading, our Lord showed Himself to the women. He said that they should tell the disciples about His resurrection, and our Lord would meet with them in Galilee. During this time, the disciples were afraid of the Jews. They were afraid that they would also suffer like our Lord. And yet, the message of Christ is that we should not be afraid. Although it may be difficult, our Lord is reminding us to place our hope in His resurrection. Some of us may be discouraged when we have problems in life or when we suffer. However, we have nothing to be afraid of, and we should continue to trust in Jesus because God also promises our own resurrection. All that we will experience in heaven and in our glorious resurrection is perfect happiness and no longer pain. 

Other than fear of suffering, there could be another reason why the disciples were hiding. It may also be their disappointment because of their sins and of their unwillingness to join Jesus in His sufferings. As we remember, they immediately fled when the soldiers captured Christ while St. Peter denied Him three times. We can also be discouraged when we see our sins such as pride, anger, lust and other sins. And yet, we should not forget that Jesus Christ rose from the dead because of His love for all of us, sinners. Despite the mistakes and imperfections of the disciples, our Lord wanted to see them. God meets where we are at. He meets us, even in our down moments, and gives us hope that despite our sins, we can still join Jesus in our resurrection. Let us rejoice and be glad because God will not abandon our souls if we trust in Jesus and let Him take away our fears. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth