Keep me safe. O God; you are my hope. — Psalm 16:1 

Mass readings: Acts 2:14,22-33 / Matthew 28:8-15 

Fear Not 

I may appear calm, cool, and collected but I’m a fearful person. I’m afraid of public speaking. I’m afraid of heights. I fear walking into a party when I know few people. I am anxious about making deadlines at work. I worry incessantly about my kids. (Are they safe? Will they turn out all right?) I fret over the health of my aging parents. 

In today’s Gospel, the resurrected Jesus meets the two Marys. His first words are “do not be afraid.” He had offered the same advice many times before. He understands how hard life is and how fearful we can be. But He tells us there really is nothing to fear. He is here for us, now and until the end of time. 

Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to be the person I’m meant to be.