Good morning. “Do not be afraid!” This gentle message from God’s angel to the women at the tomb in today's Gospel is a message we all need to hear. It is a message which Our Lord sends us throughout scripture. In the Gospel authored by our Saint for today, Saint Mark, Jesus says to the synagogue official “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” He offered this message to His Apostles in the Gospel of John in an effort to prepare them for what was to come and to prepare them for the day when He would return to the Father. It is the same message heard by the shepherds at the birth of Our Lord, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” The same is heard throughout scripture. It is the same message Joshua offers to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, “Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.” This message is one we need to continue hearing. God sent this message to Joseph, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” This gift of self on the part of Joseph in receiving and giving freely his love for Mary serves as a powerful message for all married couples. It is a message Our Lord continues to send for each one of us, for our marriages, our families, and our world; a message repeated each and every day in the breaking of the bread—“Do not be afraid!” And He assures us “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Make a great day!
Today we recall the good life, gifts, and works of Saint Mark the Evangelist.
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