In the time I have available, I don’t think I can improve on last year’s Easter message, so here it is again, with one small addition. 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, even though many of its traditions are borrowed. 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 practicing their own forms of worship. Sometimes he used them as an example of what is right, like the Good Samaritan. 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. Sadly, they are still among us. If we are followers of Jesus, our faith will help us to follow the example of what he did. Of course, none of us is perfect in that way. God knows that I fall short every day. It is important to know that those who preach the things Jesus was against, but condemn those who contend for the things Jesus supported, are not followers of Jesus. They are pseudo-Christians. Authentic Christians try to follow Jesus’ example. Pseudo-Christians helped install a Anti-Christian criminal in the White House. And now, for your listening pleasure:
RESIST!!
11 Responses to “Easter Message”
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Well said, amen, and amen.
No one can rally beat Kings College, can they.
I’m allergic to eggs. You may have mine.
As many of you know, Handel’s “Messiah” was written as an Easter offering. Only the first third deals with the birth of Christ. The second act deals with his death, and the third with his resurrection.
It was first performed during Lent on April 13, 1742 in the Musick Hall in Dublin, Ireland.
Beautifully written, and spoken, to which I agree wholeheartedly.
Love Hallelujah, such a treat to listen to.
Thanks, Tom for posting.
Love your message and the video. So beautiful.
I was raised a Catholic and still hold my religious beliefs. I have no respect for what has happened for oh so many years with all of the priests and other evil events of the churches.
I continue to pray for peace and good will on to all. And also to end the violence our world faces each and every day.Happy Easter to you, TC and all Care2 members who celebrate it..
The real Jesus, or more properly, Yeshua – whether or not he existed – was vastly different from how most people who call themselves Christians imagine him. Sadly, for most Christians, Jesus is a total S.O.B., judgmental, cruel, hateful and narrow-minded.
“If Jesus were alive today, there is one thing that he would not be, and that is a Christian.” – Mark Twain
“No sooner had Jesus knocked over the dragon of superstition, then Paul boldly set it on its legs again in the name of Jesus.” – George Bernard Shaw
“I like your Christ, I do not like you Christians. You Christians are so unlike your Christ.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Freya, do I detect a note of bitterness? Authentic Christians are not that way.
Being a celebration of the risen Christ today, we celebrated the eucharist. As I waited my turn, I was explaining the eucharist to some of my Persian friends who were born and raised in the Muslim faith. For us, the feast is for all . . . the feast table is God’s table, not ours. They are in the process of converting to Christianity.
Your message Puddy Tat is spot on!
The first time I remember hearing the Hallelujah Chorus, I was in Grade 11 in an all girls’ choir. I was the entire tenor section of the choir. We performed it at a competition and came first or second. It is such a lovely and joyful piece. We sang it this morning . . . goosebumps all over!
About 5 years ago, I heard the Silent Monks’ version of the Hallelujah Chorus for the first time. I personally think that Jesus would embrace these kids as talented, creative and filled with humour. I have heard some people say that this performance is sacrilegious. I am quite sure that Jesus would disagree.![](<iframe width="571" height="321" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pRhjWdr-LAA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>)
Was that really a High School group that originally performed that?
Very – VERY clever!
Lovely message, wonderful music. Thanks, TomCat.
While we’re on the subject of music, here’s the start of Bach’s Easter Oratorio. Such joyful music, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Rejoice.
Thanks and Hugs to all.
Hugs to you Tom.