Fear, Faith and Fulfillment

Thursday in the Octave of Easter

Acts 3:11-26; Luke 24:35-48

This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. 

–Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1st Inaugural Address (1933)

 

Our scripture readings today invite us to reflect on faith, fear and fulfillment.  

As he began his service as our 32nd President during the Great Depression, FDR recognized that fear is one of our most powerful emotions. The disciples of Jesus cried out in fear when they first saw him after his resurrection. They did not know the difference between their Lord and a ghost. Jesus showed them the difference. He challenged them to touch his wounds. He gave them his peace. He ate in their presence. He invited them to faith.

They received that gift of faith. It was faith in Jesus and in his name. With that faith and in his name they had the power to preach, teach and heal. They testified that all that the scriptures promised was fulfilled in him.  

We live in a time of fear: fear of illness, fear of poverty, fear for our families, fear for our economy, fear for the future, and ultimately fear of death. These, too, are the wounds of Jesus. As we touch them, we are also invited to faith in him and in the power of his name.  As we prepare to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, we are not afraid to say, “Jesus, I trust in you.” –jc