“It is I. Do not be afraid.”

A bunch of disciples: beaten, down in defeat, fearful, in hiding,
their Master having been executed as a common criminal.
They travel at night, afraid to be discovered by day.
While crossing the sea, they see a shadow on the waters
who tells them,  “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

A little child, afraid of the dark, sees shadows he believes are monsters,
closes his eyes and close to tears in fear.
A familiar hand clasps his little hand in loving assurance
And in the darkness he hears his father’s reassuring voice, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Two young lovers, afraid yet excited about their future together,
uncertainty in their guts yet certain of the love in their hearts,
vow to face the world together with their unspoken promise to each other,
“It is I. Do not be afraid.”

A man beaten down by the challenges of bringing home the bacon
feels lost and unsettled, not knowing where or how to move forwards
is wrapped in the loving embrace of his wife
who whispers into his ears, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

A feeble mother, lying in bed with a lingering illness, knows that the end is near.
Yet, she is fearful for she does not know what lies ahead.
She tried to find comfort in her memories but her memory has long been gone.
And then she feels the warmth embrace of her daughter
who reassures her, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”