April 2, 2018 Monday of Easter Week-B

Acts of the Apostles 2:14, 22-33

Psalm 16

Matthew 28:8-15

…with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.  Ps. 16:8

“Do not be afraid.” Mt. 28:10

Lord, how many times do you encourage us to not be afraid?  You know how disabling and destructive fear can be for us.  It can hold us back from living in faith and even paralyze us in the face of challenges.   We can fear heights, snakes and even the dark.  But I think you are telling us over and over again not to fear loneliness, failure, ridicule, or even death.  The women who saw the empty tomb were running in fear.  You don’t want us to be overcome with fear but to have faith in you.  You desire we live with courage and hope.   You call us to a confidence that you are in charge and that you know how we feel.  You promise the grace we need to overcome our fears and to walk with you bravely every day.  Lord, I admit sometimes I worry about stepping out in faith.  What if I fail?  But you assure me that even failure is OK.  How often did you fail to convince people to believe in you?  Dear Jesus, I give you all my fears and trust in your presence and power in everything I do today.  Amen.