Do Not Be Afraid
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 20, 21:1-7(8-14); Isa 25:1-9; Rev. 1:9-20; John 7:53-8:11
The reading from Revelation for today, reminds me of trying to teach a class on Revelation. I never knew so many people took this book of the bible literally. It was a learning adventure for all of us and I grew to love Revelation as never before. Primarily because I don’t think I had ever tried to look at these verses from so many different perspectives. I don’t think I had seriously tried to delve into the layers of meaning that are so carefully crafted together, creating one of the most ominous and beautifully mysterious books of the bible.
As I read these verses today, I’m comforted, perhaps more than I expected. I’m comforted because this is the apocalypse that is being described, the second coming of which we preached and read throughout Advent. What strikes me is that Jesus reaches out, touches the narrator who has apparently fainted in fear and says, “Do not be afraid, . . . I was dead, and see, I am alive for ever and ever.”
Do not be afraid. How many times have we needed to hear that? How many times have we been afraid and felt alone, deep in grief or worry and needed someone to reach out and touch us, to let us know all will be well. That is what this is for me. That is what Saint Stephen’s has become for me.
As I begin to write this, I suddenly became aware of how quiet my house is. We have had family here for several days and today is the first in a while when I’ve had the house all to myself with the exception of my constant companion, Maddie our Lab. This brief reprieve has given me time to reflect on these past few months. I began at Saint Stephen’s on May 1st, almost eight months ago. I’ve said many times, it’s been like drinking from a fire hose. I’ve learned so much and been stretched in good, creative, affirming ways. It’s been the sweetest, most fun part of my life as a priest thus far, and I feel honored every day when I wake-up knowing Saint Stephen’s is my new church home. The friendships and love I’ve received have felt like someone reaching out and saying, “All will be well, you’re not alone, do not be afraid.”
As we look to the Second coming, this is what we can look forward to, a homecoming without fear, a release from constraints and a newness of spirit. This is what Jesus came to tell us and what we refused to hear, but what he continues to say, never giving up on us, never leaving us alone.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection: Where do you feel closest to Christ? Where do feel most loved, most at home? Give thanks to God for those feelings and spread that love, that warmth each day as you go our into our broken world.