Whether or not you are a Christian, I respectfully invite you to join me in the celebration of the my faith’s most central holiday.
Jesus was a fascinating man. He associated most closely with the social rejects of his day. He respected people with faiths different from his. He did not burn their religious writings or try to prevent them from their own forms of worship. He had a heart for meeting the needs of the poor, and admonished us to care for them. His concern for the rich was that their own greed would blind them. He had no trouble getting along with sinners. He met people at the point of their need, and accepted all except for the religious hypocrites who used their position to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor and to force their own piety codes, which they often ignored themselves, onto others. Those were only people Jesus condemned.
If we are followers of Jesus, our faith will help us to act the way he did. Of course, none of us is perfect in that way. God knows that I fall short every day. But it is important to know that those who offer an example of the things Jesus was against, but condemn those who contend for the things Jesus supported are not followers of Jesus. The only authentic Christians are those who are followers of Jesus, a distinction lost on far to many.
12 Responses to “Happy Easter!”
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Jesus was not a fundamentalist Christian. He wasn't a republican, either. He was a rebel. If Jesus came back today to walk the earth, the republicans would have him jailed.
Interesting question: How would Jesus come back today? I think he'd be a member of a minority group, sick and unable to afford health care, unemployed, and homeless. He would challenge our comfort levels and ask us for compassion and help without judgement – something republicans are incapable of doing.
Angelica, I firmly believe you are right about HIm. You would know too, you being a litttle angel.
Thank you, Patty, for your kind words. Alas, my husband is ROFL his a$$ off right now because I told him that somebody called me a little angel (sigh). .
Happy Easter to all!
I think it's safe to now post this …
This seems like an appropriate time to share an Easter story told by my pseudo-uncle (my aunt’s brother) – a now-retired Lutheran (ELCA) minister. And being of Scandinavian heritage, I’m using Swedes.
There were three Swedes living “Up North” in Minnesota who were tragically killed in an awful snowmobile accident. St. Peter welcomed them at the Pearly Gates– but told them that before they were admitted into Heaven they had to pass a short quiz. Being Swedes, this made them uncommonly nervous.
“So, St. Peter, tell us what’s the question?”
St. Peter replied, “You need to share with me the story of Easter.”
The bravest (but dumbest Swede) stepped forward and said, “That’s too easy. Easter is in the fall when the leaves are changing colors, and you get together with your family and friends to be thankful you can enjoy a huge feast of turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes and cranberries and pumpkin pies – and even more.”
St. Peter replied, “Sorry – that’s not correct” and zapped him straight to Hell.
The second Swede stepped up and answered, “You have to forgive him, St. Peter – he’s just a dumb Swede. Easter is in the winter when you celebrate a very important religious holiday by decorating an evergreen tree in your home, drinking eggnog and giving beautifully wrapped presents to your friends and family.”
St. Peter again replied, “Sorry – that’s not correct” and zapped him straight to Hell.
The third Swede stepped up and said, “You have to forgive him St. Peter – although he was correct that it’s a very important religious holiday. But it happens in spring, and it is when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. After He died, he was buried in a large tomb called a sepulcher – which then had a huge stone rolled in front of its opening to seal it.
“On the third day, Jesus miraculously arose … He rolled back the huge stone … stepped out … saw his shadow … and knew there would be six more weeks of winter.”
That's a good one Nameless!
I tell that story every Easter. When I first heard it about 30 years ago, because I'm Polish, it was Stas, Jas and Wladziu. I still think it's funny after all these years.
I am a liberal Christian and of course celebrate Easter which is the resurrection of the Christ following his crucifixion on Black Friday (Good Friday). And Easter is also tied to the Jewish Passover, as Christianity was born out of Judaism. But it is also interesting to note that Easter, a celebration of Christian renewal, like many other celebrations of renewal, often comes around the Spring Equinox. After all, the First Council of Nicaea (325 CE) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon (the Paschal Full Moon) following the March equinox. Currently, the Persians, and others in the Middle East, South East Asia, Western China, The Caucuses and Russia are celebrating the Persian new year, Nowruz. "Pagans" celebrate the renewal of the earth at the Spring Equinox. With this widespread celebration of renewal, why is it that people cannot see our similarities, instead fighting over our differences? Even among Christians, we fight with each other.
Matthew 25: 40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
The Jesus I know broke bread with tax collectors and prostitutes, healed the sick on the Sabbath, spoke to a Samarian woman at a well (a double wammy — a woman and a Samarian), associated with the poor and the marginalised. The Jesus I know was a rebel, a criminal in the eyes of the Pharisees for his views, a hippy (think 1960s and 70s), a Liberator. I have a poster from my days of leading a church youth group that illustrates four of Jesus' persona — Liberator, rebel, and 2 others I can't remember right now. Jesus challenged his followers to see the world in a different light, to see the world as he saw the world.
Angelica, you ask the question "How would Jesus come back today? ". Of course, many people are waiting for that day. They have been since the resurrection. But I have a theory that the "2nd coming" as it is referred to, is happening as we speak. It is happening as we embrace Jesus' true teachings of mercy, compassion and love for one another. I agree with your answer "I think he'd be a member of a minority group, sick and unable to afford health care, unemployed, and homeless. He would challenge our comfort levels and ask us for compassion and help without judgement…"
A number of years ago, I was asked to cover for our minister and the title of the sermon was "Are we guilty of being 20th century Pharisees?" (change to 21st century and it is equally applicable). When we talk of the fanatical evangelical pseudo christians that inhabit the Republican/Teabagger party, I think of them as the Pharisees, the ones that would pervert justice, have no regard for the marginalised of society, are bound up in their fine robes and jewels, have no knowledge of mercy or compassion.
Some may remember that this past Christmas was very special for me as I wrote about it here. And Easter has been equally wonderful in that same sense. Yesterday afternoon/evening, I went to the care centre where my mother lives and fed her, and one of her table mates until the staff took over with her table mate. I almost became confused as to whose spoon I had in which hand! Afterwards, a lot went out to sit around the nursing station where there is a lot of activity. We turned on some Glenn Miller music and finally my dance partner, Maurice, got up and danced. Maurice is 88-89 and loves to dance and can be quite a comedian. Others love to watch and I think put themselves in our place. So far very routine. A few dances, then sit, then a few more dances. About 8:15 pm, Maurice went back to his room and I thought nothing of it as he was likely getting tired. My mother was put to bed at 8:30 and as I came out of her room, I saw Maurice in his doorway so I went to say goodnight. His nurse was right there ready to give him his bedtime medication. Maurice broke down in great sobs. We got him back in his room, sitting on the edge of the bed. I stayed with him for an hour, just listening and holding him close. Finally he said he wanted to jump off a bridge; then he said run out into traffic to be killed by a vehicle. At that point I reminded him that like me, he had a bad back and wasn't running anywhere. He started to smile and then a little laugh, and he agreed that wouldn't work. That sort of broke the continuous sobbing. The crying stopped after about 45 minutes. After he was settled, I called the staff to assist him, kissed him goodnight and left. That was a gift of the resurrection given to me last night.
One does not have to be Christian to be compassionate, to show mercy, or to love the Creator's creations. But for me, that is who I am. For me, the greatest "Christian" since Jesus is not a Christian at all — Mahatma Gandhi.
Whatever your faith (I also see Atheism as a faith), celebrate a joyous renewal of your spirit.
Wonderful story about Maurice, Lynn. Being a retired Hospice nurse, there were many Maurices in my life. I treasure the memories of each one to this day.
Happy and Peaceful days to you.
That's great that you were a hospice nurse! 🙂 I am a trained hospice volunteer and through hospice, a trained therapeutic touch practiooner. I did my TT at the local hospital as part of a relaxation clinic each week for cancer patients, but mostly for their caregivers. The popularity was so great that our 'patient' numbers outstripped our ability to provide the needed therapy. Now I can't do hospice in that setting because looking after my mother, and the others, in the care facility literally zaps my energy. Despite having set my alarm, I missed Easter Sunday services. I know God doesn't mind because God knows what I was up to. In fact, I think God would rather I did what I did. I know I am glad I did! AMEN to the memories!
Thank you for your kind words.
What a lovely moment you and Maurice shared … and I'm glad you shared it with us, too.
Thank you Nameless! Maurice is a lovely man that I have come to know over the past 6 months. His nurse, I guess about a month ago, was at his room and told him that his dancing partner was there. In stead of staying in his room, he came out and sat with everyone around the nursing station waiting for his chance to dance. I wish people, you know, those like me (the able bodied and able minded?) would spend more time with the residents. There is so much to do if only giving a hug of reassurance.
Thank you for your kind words.