Homily of the Third Sunday of Easter, April 18, 2021
Do not be afraid. The Lord Jesus encounters his apostles and tells them not to be afraid. Why should they be afraid? It Jesus standing in front of him. In order to convince them, He shows his hands and feet. Why? Because they bear the signs of the crucifixion. His resurrection did not take away those signs. Jesus is really among them, risen from the dead.
Do not be afraid. We know from saints that lived among us, that the supernatural sometimes can overwhelm us. Let us find courage in the words of Jesus in person: Do not be afraid. It is I, see my hands. I still bear the wounds, but I am alive.
The children of the catechesis group that are preparing for first Holy Communion are making their final preparations for the celebration at hand. Their final lessons, their first confession. They sometimes feel – not afraid, but a bit nervous. To them, we can say as well: Do not be afraid, receive Jesus with the confidence of the Apostles.
Jesus showed his hands and feet to convince the Apostles that it is really Him. And he asks something to eat. They give him fish, something very natural. The Lord wants you to receive Him in holy Communion under the sign of very natural bread that has become his body.
So, do not be afraid. And in case you feel nervous, you may know that all of us accompany you with our prayers. Do not be afraid, as Jesus’ Mother, the Virgin Mary of there too, you are in good company. Amen.