Jesus tells his Apostles, DO NOT BE AFRAID! Yes, it will be tough and we will experience fear, but we have God’s victorious strength to engage the terrors of life as we embrace our faith.
After doubting the testimony of the disciples that Jesus had been raised from the dead, the Lord comes again and speaks to the doubts (and fears!) of Thomas.
Here are some of the themes that we find in the Mass readings for the 11th Week of the Year.
1st Reading – Ezekiel 17:22-24
God will plant a cedar shoot on a high and lofty mountain where it will become a majestic tree.
All the trees of the field shall know that the Lord has done this.
Psalm – 92:2-3,13-16
“Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.”
We give praise to God who nourishes us so that we can grow, thrive, and bear fruit.
2nd Reading – 2nd Corinthians 5:6-10
Because of the gift of faith we are courageous as we face our daily fears and challenges.
We aspire to please God, knowing that one day we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
Gospel – Mark 4:26-34
Jesus uses plants as parables to illustrate how the Kingdom of God starts small, is a process that is guided by the Lord, and becomes a large and majestic creation.
On his way to Damascus to hunt for followers of Christ, Paul is struck to the ground and blinded. Having his sight restored through Ananias’ intercession, the one who formerly persecuted the Church now becomes a shining example of faith.
Peter, strengthened by his faith in Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly addresses the leaders and courageously claims that Jesus is the Lord.