Thought for the Day – Thursday 16th April
Another of our readings for this week is a further account of the events of Easter morning, this time looking to the Gospel of Matthew we find our reading at Matthew 28: 1-8:
After the sabbath, as the first
day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the
tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord,
descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His
appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him
the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do
not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus
who was crucified. He is
not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and
indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my
message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and
ran to tell his disciples.
How often, when reading our Bible, do we hear those words ‘Do not be afraid’ spoken to fearful
folk?
The angel whispered those words to a fearful Mary when she announced
she would give birth to Jesus.
The heavenly choir of angels sang those words to fearful shepherds.
Jesus called out those words to fearful disciples in the midst of a
storm.
On the mountaintop of Transfiguration Jesus spoke these words to the
fearful Peter, James and John.
The angel spoke them to the fearful women at the empty tomb.
Jesus spoke them to fearful disciples in a locked room – to fearful
fishermen on the beach – to disciples fearful of being alone without Jesus as
he ascended into Heaven.
‘Do not be afraid’
Hear these words spoken to you now - today!
For Jesus is speaking these words to us all now – words which when
spoken bring heaven and earth together – words spoken to reassure – to give
strength – to remind us of his love – to assure us of his presence.
It is hard not to be afraid at a time of pandemic - fearful for
ourselves, fearful for those we know and love – fearful for those unknown to us
who are so vulnerable and at risk in our communities and our world – but
please, please hear these words from the Risen Christ spoken to you afresh
today:
‘Do not be afraid’
Prayer
Loving Lord,
In all our fears remind us of your loving presence, bring peace to our
troubled hearts and strengthen us for the days which lie ahead. We ask this through
Jesus Christ our Risen Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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