Fear Not 220

Beloved brethren, as the evening shadows lengthen and the day draws to its close, let us gather in spirit around the sacred words of our risen Savior: "Do not be afraid," from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, chapter twenty-eight, verse ten. In the quiet hours after the resurrection, when the first light of dawn had scarcely broken over the garden tomb, these words were spoken not in rebuke but in tender reassurance to the women who had come seeking the body of their Lord. The historical setting is one of profound upheaval and divine mystery. The tomb, sealed by human authority and guarded by soldiers, stood empty by the power of God alone. The angel had already proclaimed the truth to these devout souls, yet fear lingered in their hearts as they hurried to share the news with the apostles. It was then that Christ Himself appeared, meeting them on the path with words that echo the ancient promises of the prophets and fulfill them in the flesh. Drawing from the wisdom of the Early Church Fathers as preserved in the Catena Aurea, we hear Saint John Chrysostom observe that the Lord reveals Himself first to these women to honor their steadfast faith and to teach that He comes to those who seek Him with sincere hearts. Saint Augustine further reminds us that this command against fear dispels the terror of death itself, for in the resurrection the sting of the grave is removed and joy takes its place. The women, filled with both awe and gladness, become the first messengers of the Gospel, sent to Galilee where the disciples would behold the risen Christ. In these words, the Early Fathers see not only comfort for that moment but a lasting exhortation for the Church across all ages. Fear, born of sin and uncertainty, is cast out by the light of the empty tomb. The same Lord who calmed the storms on Galilee now calms the storms within our souls, inviting us to trust in His victory over every trial. As night falls upon our own day, let this verse anchor our hearts. The resurrection is no distant event but a living reality that sustains us. Go forth, then, without fear, bearing the message of hope to all whom the Lord places in your path. #FearNot220 #FearNotUNPLUGGED #117of220 #Catholic

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