And Jesus immediately spoke with them and said, “Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid”.
Jesus responds immediately to the disciples’ fear, showing that his presence is never late in a moment of human panic. The phrase “It is I” is not only a self-identification, but also a revelation of divine presence, which recalls God’s self-name and bears witness to his authority. The call “Take courage” is directed to the condition of the heart, in order to restore faith, and the words “Do not be afraid” sound as an invitation to trust, to replace fear with confidence. This word shows that when a person recognizes the presence of Christ, fear loses its power and peace appears in the midst of darkness.