The greeting of the angels to the women, who discover the empty tomb on the first Easter morning, is: "Do not be afraid." (Mtt 28: 5) The Risen Christ echoes this greeting when he encounters them on their way to tell the disciples the amazing news: "Do not be afraid" (Mtt 28: 9) Have you noticed how Jesus has been filtered out of the mass media and state education? We hear about Ramadan and Matariki, both of which are taken seriously and explained by the state run organizations with due solemnity and respect. Why do they seem to be afraid of the Risen One? Surely, we will hear on the nightly news the voices of retailers wanting the right to open for business on Good Friday, as well as lighthearted stories of people indulging in hot cross buns and easter eggs. It ends there. Why are they afraid of Easter? Furthermore, am I afraid of Easter? For those whose minds are focused on earthly, tangible things measurable by science the presence of the Risen Lord is subversive. It is he who rules the Universe through his unconquerable life. The humble Galilean overthrows the powerful and mighty, as is prophesied in the Magnificat of the Blessed Virgin Mary and raises up the lowly (Lk 1: 68-79). Let us not be afraid to contemplate religious and spiritual things this Easter, as St Paul told the Colossians: "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory." (Col 5: 2-4)
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