Monday in the Octave of Easter

“Do not be afraid.”

The two Mary’s, after discovering the empty tomb and hearing the same words from an angel, quickly left the tomb- “fearful yet overjoyed.” God has even transformed the meaning of fear.

The holy gift of fear that they discovered is the virtue of awe, reverence, and amazement of the Presence and power of God. Just like the Emmaus disciples who experienced Jesus in the breaking of the Bread, they each ran with a sense of urgency to tell everyone of this incredulous gift from God—the gift of the resurrection. Jesus has conquered even the fear of death and transformed it into eternal life!

To give a current-day testimony, a prison inmate during a Catholic retreat was introduced to Eucharistic Adoration and told of God’s presence. He left so transformed by his short encounter with Jesus that he told the men he probably would not return for the retreat, as he was going to destroy a satanic altar in his cell. He sensed that the gang members would probably kill him. By the grace of God, he did return, although badly bruised from a beating he endured, yet overjoyed to know Eucharistic Jesus. Personally, I am in awe of how Jesus can resurrect a life in a matter of minutes by his glorious Presence. “Do not be afraid.”

The readings of Easter are filled with joy and urgency. Running toward the empty tomb and the resurrected Jesus, and once discovered, running to tell everyone else. This is our faith. Running towards love and light and away from sin and death. Jesus conquered it for us. “Do not be afraid.”

Are you running in the right direction?

Tell everyone the good news. Jesus is alive and waiting for you, for you alone, in every tabernacle in the world!

Let us Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise of eternal life. Transform us, mold us, and change us into living tabernacles of your glorious and risen Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, now and forever. Never permit us to be separated from him – through him, with him, and in him. Amen.