Listen

It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy.

John 20:19-20

Think

Overcoming fear is something we all must do at different times in our lives. On the first day of school, not knowing who will be in your classes or at lunch may create a sense of fear. Seeing a familiar face can convert your feeling of isolation into joy and comfort. When transferring to a new high school without your classmates and friends, you may feel out of place, alone, anxious, and excluded. It can make a big difference when someone approaches you to help.

Jesus’ displays of humbleness to his disciples were comforting in the same way we find comfort in the humbleness of others. When we experience something new, sometimes we rely on another person’s humility to get us through the fearful experience. They might demonstrate humility through being patient with us and helping us know we are not alone in our fear. They might show us that we are welcomed and valued. Their humble words and actions help remove our anxiety and fear.

GCOYP Episcopal Youth

Question to Ponder:

Who do you know who might be feeling lonely, anxious, or excluded that you can approach in humbleness and with joy?

Pray

Dear God, thank you for the example of Jesus, who showed how to be a humble, non-anxious presence. Help me to know that fear is normal and something that will come and go. When I’m not facing fear, call me to be a helper to those in fear, sharing my calm and joy with them.

Amen.

Go

Together met, together bound

by all that God has done,

we’ll go with joy, to give the world

the love that makes us one.

 “I Come with Joy” (Episcopal Hymnal 1982)