Overcoming Fear

 

What did the Apostles do after Jesus

was crucified? They holed themselves

up in a locked room, fearful as mice

hiding in a secluded corner.

 

When they heard that Jesus had

risen, they slowly began

to understand what He had said

about rising on the third day.

 

Still fearful, they inched open

the door and found the women

who had discovered the empty

tomb. Dumbstruck, Peter and John

hastened to see if it were true.

 

The apostles felt shame at deserting

Jesus and letting him die alone,

except for Mary and John

and the other faithful women.

 

The twelve knew they had been

chosen to carry on Jesus’ mission,

but they were uneducated and simple,

and a little hesitant to step forward.

 

Maybe the women, his mother, Mary

Magdalen, Mary Salome, and others

showed them how to begin their work.

Women seemed to know how to touch

and heal, and are bold enough to spread

the good news: “Jesus is alive!”

 

Barbara Mayer, OSB