Keep Moving, You Can do This.
Today’s Readngs - AM Psalm 93, 98; Exod. 12:14-27; 1 Cor. 15:1-11; Mark 16:1-8
The very first sermon I preached was on Easter Monday, a day much like today. It was while I was in seminary. I had preached in our homiletics class but not for the community Eucharist. This was for the entire seminary, all the students and all the professors. I don’t think I’ve ever been that scared or intimidated. The room that we used as our chapel was an old lecture auditorium that was lower in the front and the rows of seats were like a sports auditorium. It was affectionately nicknamed the “Pit”, and it did feel like you were in a pit, with all the most learned people I knew staring down at you scrutinizing your every word. Of course, now I realize the expectations for new preachers was very low so if we didn’t completely blow the entire thing we were congratulated, and we could walk out of the “Pit” with a huge sigh of relief, grateful to know we had survived our first trial by fire. But that fear, that sense of dread was palatable.
Everyone would tell you “Don’t be afraid, we’ve all been there” or “You’ll do great,” but no matter how much encouragement was offered it was incredibly hard not to be afraid. We’ve all been in that place where no matter how hard we try, no matter how much we know that worrying doesn’t help, we just can’t put it out of our mind, we’re scared, and it doesn’t feel like anyone, or anything can change that. Whatever it may be, a diagnosis, a potential job loss or death, even a loss of status or reputation. Whatever it is it’s a real fear and can’t be pushed aside.
Some say that the phrase “Do not be afraid” or a similar phrase appears 365 times in the bible. Spoiler alert - it actually doesn’t. It’s closer to 103 times. Regardless, it may be the most repeated phrase in the Bible, and we certainly are reassured throughout the scriptures that we are God’s and that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God. In today’s gospel, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome have gone to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. When they arrive, the stone has been rolled away and a young man is sitting where their Lord’s body should be. He greets them and says, “Do not be afraid, . . . Jesus of Nazareth has been raised, he is not here.” Their initial reaction is not relief or joy but fear, they are seized by terror. We know as the morning progresses into days and weeks, their fear is transformed into relief and joy. But that initial shock and fear was paralyzing.
You’ve been there, haven’t you? I know I have. So, what helps us take that first step? What gets us out of bed in the morning? What helps us get on with our lives? Our belief in the risen Christ, in the Holy Trinity tells us that we are never alone. That we are beloved children of God. It may not always feel like it, but we are never going to be separated from the love of God. Once we can catch our breath, walking out of the tomb looking towards the day ahead, the Holy Spirit, takes us by the hand and walks with us. Our faith in the love of God and Jesus Christ gets us out of bed. God is love, and perfect love drives out fear. Allow yourself to be fully embraced by that love, remind yourself that whatever is ahead or behind, whatever is frightening is only one part of your world, we are so much more, there is so much more in our lives for which to be grateful. So listen, listen to that small quiet voice from God that tells us, “Keep moving, you can do this.”
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - What is it that you are most afraid of? How do you deal with the uncertainty? Have you taken it to God?