From Fear to Faith: Meeting Christ on the Way
Fr. Bernard Maganga, SMM
From Fear to Faith: Meeting Christ on the Way
Today’s Easter Homily centers on the Resurrection as the very foundation of the Christian faith.
Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, the Homily reflects on the experience of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who approach the tomb filled with love . . . but also anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. Instead of finding the crucified Christ, they encounter an empty tomb, an angel, and a powerful message: “Do not be afraid.”
Do Not Be Afraid
The homily emphasizes that the Resurrection is not just an event, but a new beginning . . . a “first day” of creation, where God renews and restores life. Just as the women came with worries and questions, so too do we carry our own burdens . . . fear, illness, uncertainty about loved ones, and struggles in faith. Yet, like them, we are invited to move forward in faith despite not seeing clearly.
A key insight is that the women encounter Jesus only after they begin to act in faith . . . they believe the message and start moving. This teaches that Christ meets us not when everything is certain, but as we step forward in trust.
The call to go to Galilee symbolizes a return to one’s origin of faith . . . our own “Galilee” being our baptism, where we first encountered Christ. The message is to renew that commitment and rediscover our mission.
The homily concludes with a relatable analogy from sports: once you know your team has already won, you can watch the game without fear. In the same way, the Resurrection assures us that God has already won, that His love is stronger than death, and therefore we can live without fear.
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From Fear to Faith: Meeting Christ on the Way
The Three Marys at the Tomb : Italian Baroque Artist: Annibale Carracci: 1600
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Why this panting was selected:
This work portrays the women at the tomb in a moment of transition . . . fear turning into realization. It aligns closely with the Homily’s focus on movement from anxiety to faith.
From Fear to Faith: Meeting Christ on the Way
