We often experience fear in our lives. Peter loved Christ dearly and told Him he would die for Him, yet he ran from Gethsemane out of fear that he would suffer the same fate as Jesus. Pontias Pilate found no guilt in Jesus and wanted to free Him, but his fear of riots incited by the Jewish people kept him from doing so. We may feel compelled to do something, but fear of the unknown holds us back. But as Psalm 27:1 tells us:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation,
whom should I fear?
The Lord is my life's refuge
of whom should I be afraid?"
Christ's resurrection tells us that we have nothing to fear, for not even death can contain our Lord! If we have life in Christ, we unite ourselves in His death. Therefore, death has not hold on us either, because Jesus has conquered death!
Another thought on the gospel of John (20:1-9) today:
Why did John hesitate going into the tomb while Peter rushed in quickly? Why was Peter skeptical of Christ's resurrection while John believed immediately?
Peter was outspoken, always preaching God's word to others, and confident in following Jesus's commands. Yet, he was quick to speak before allowing the Lord's words to penetrate his soul. John, on the other hand, was a more timid, quiet listener. He took the time to ponder God's teaching, so as to believe without question.
Isn't it fascinating how God ordained these disciples specifically to be the first of the twelve to come to the tomb? They needed each other's strengths to understand that Christ had indeed been raised from the dead, in the same way we need to rely on each other in our walks with Jesus. God blesses each of us with different spiritual fruits, different charisms.
Let's pray that, like Peter and John, we learn to rely on our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to be reliable brothers and sisters to others.
Happy Easter, everyone!
He is risen! Alleluia, alleluia!