As the Easter celebration approaches, it’s probably a good idea to stop, look and listen and see if there is some new understanding or insight waiting for us.
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Like Christmas, an important event in the ecclesiastical year, Easter has been adopted and, may I say, virtually consumed by the secular world, notably the commercial aspect, which in many cases has overshadowed the historical and religious significance.
In the Christian churches, Easter is preceded by a week we call Holy Week.
We take time to recall and ponder the events that went from Palm Sunday – the day the people of Jerusalem tried to hail Jesus as King of the Jews – not just to the day he died in ignominy and shame on a cross on calvary on the day we call Good Friday – but through to his resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday.
Jesus’ death was the ultimate sacrifice. He gave His life so that we might live, not just in this mortal frame, but for all eternity in the heavenly Jerusalem.
Lately, we’ve been remembering the soldiers who died on the battlefields of WWI. They risked their lives, and many gave them in an effort to bring peace to a troubled world. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another.
Our firefighters, ambulance crews, police, and rescue service personnel continually put their lives on the line to bring relief and assistance to people in danger from any and all calamities. For such a contribution, we can be eternally grateful.
For many of us, such a contribution to the victims in our troubled world is beyond our reach for a variety of reasons.
Nevertheless, that does not excuse us from turning them a blind eye, or failing to reach out to those whose lives are affected.
There’s an old adage that says charity begins at home. Charity is another name for love. Easter could be a good time to pause and see if that rings true for each of us.
When we donate to a charitable cause, it can be an act of love, and love is rooted deep within us, and fostered and nurtured in the family home.
Love also has a strong connection to forgiveness and reconciliation, and all three of these are strong threads in the Easter story.
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead on that first Easter Sunday is a strong reminder that this life is not an end in itself.
Rather, it is the prelude to an eternal life in which the pain and suffering of this mortal existence will be superseded by our glorious new life in God.
So, while we enjoy the comforts and family get-togethers for Easter, the chocolate eggs and bunnies and all the luscious food and drink we share, let us not forget the real meaning of the season we celebrate, feeding our hearts and minds as well as our bodies as we worship the risen Jesus.
Happy Easter.