My Thoughts on Easter 

By | April 9, 2020
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My Thoughts on Easter 

This Easter will be different than any other Easter any of us has ever seen. But regardless of the scourge that now persists upon the Earth this year, it is still a time of rejoicing for Christians around the world; it is a time of rebirth and a time of a renewal of faith.

Remember that the first Christians celebrated the very first Easter hunkered down behind a locked door fearful that they were being hunted by the same people who crucified Jesus. So, this won’t be the first time Easter has been celebrated by Christians hunkered down fearful of what may await them beyond that locked door. 

And so I have been thinking about how much we all need a resurrection – a resurrection within us. Each morning when we wake we can choose how we will be on that day. In a sense, in a way,  it’s like a daily resurrection. Our spirits can be lifted, our bodies and faith renewed. We can choose to be the person we’ve always wanted to be or we can continue being the person we are.

If we are lucky we are both of those – the person we are is the person we have always wanted to be. But I believe that’s very rare. Most of us wish we were better people, more faithful, more compassionate, less judgmental, less confrontational, and happier.

Sadly, I often find myself judging others because of the way they look, how they live, what they have, what they don’t have, what they have or have not done. But I have no right to do that. I have no right to judge anyone, no matter who they are, what they look like, how rich or poor, how they live, what they have, or what they’ve done. My resurrection comes every day I wake. I get to choose the kind of person I will be on that day. Will I be the person I want to be or will I be the person I was yesterday? Will I be a better person today than I was yesterday? It’s up to me. In a way, it’s my resurrection.

You’re probably thinking that I can change all I want, but everyone else will see and know me as I was yesterday. And I say: So what? What difference does it make what anyone else thinks? It makes no difference at all unless we let it make a difference. So tomorrow when we wake we can be resurrected – we can be the person we have always wanted to be or we can take the easy way and be what we’ve always been. And blessed is the one who is both.

It’s Eastertime. With the world under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, the churches, which would normally be packed with worshippers, will be empty.

But let us remember that Jesus said that we should pray in private and not pray in public so we can be seen praying. So on Easter pray in private and pray for those who are less fortunate than you.  Let us all pray for the sick, the infected, the handicapped, the hungry, the starving. Let us all pray to be better people.

Why is it we see hell clearer than we see heaven? Here’s what I mean: The world, no doubt, is full of evil. People killing people. People using people for their own gain. Jihadists blowing up airports and train stations – and skyscrapers. Rapists, murderers, marauders, cheaters, abusers – we all can see the worst of humanity more clearly than we can see the best in the world.

What about the health care workers, the doctors, the nurses, those who work to serve us and risk their lives every day during the COVID19 pandemic. They are heroes. They are the best of humanity.

The moms and dads and grandparents who love and are loved by their family. The children going off to school knowing they are loved. The heroes. The everyday heroes – the brother who gives a kidney to a sister so that she may live, parents who protect their children, the mom who wakes up early every morning to fix her kids’ lunch to take to school. The dad who works two jobs to provide for his family. They too are the best of humanity.

We can see all the hell in our world more clearly than all the little pieces of heaven. Why do you think that is? Are we Christians because we say we are? Are we Christians because we show up in church each week and sing hymns and listen to our priests and pastors tell us what the Scriptures mean?

Do you know what I think? I think everyone, whether Christian or not, should read the words upon which Jesus based his teaching and the foundation upon which all Christian churches are – or should be – built.

I don’t proselytize. I don’t care much for proselytizers. Everyone should have the freedom and the right to believe or not believe as they choose. I don’t write this to knock on your door and hand you a pamphlet telling you’re not going to Heaven if you don’t believe as I do. No, that’s not what I’m going to do. I’m going to ask you to read the words of Jesus that every one of us, Christian or not — should aspire.

It’s Eastertime and the reason for the season is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and his rebirth and the rebirth of faith. Whether you believe or not, whether you call yourself Christian or not, if we all lived by these words from the Man, the Teacher from Galilee, the world would have a lot less hell and a lot more Heaven:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

“Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…”

“…You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?…

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

” So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him…”

No matter who you are, or what your religion is or isn’t, or what you believe, I hope those Words will guide you today, tomorrow and always. If all of us lived by those words, the world would be much a lot more like heaven and a lot less like hell.

The world would be a much better place.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed…”

Stay well, stay safe, hold on tight to your faith and we’ll all get through this.

Have a very Happy Easter!

18 thoughts on “My Thoughts on Easter 

  1. Nora

    Amen to all of that and a very Happy and Blessed Easter to you and yours.

    Reply
  2. Patricia Mccosker

    You have astounding thoughts and feelings Tc!! Sharing them with us makes us all think too and this is so good for all of us
    Thank you
    Tricia

    Reply
  3. Gina

    This is one of your best sentiments and something I think we all needed, especially right now. Thank you. I think I’ll read it again…and again and yet again over the next few days, and even beyond.

    Reply
  4. JOYCE CLARK

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the meaning of Easter. Your thoughts are inspiring and leading hearts to the Christ of the world. We will be celebrating Easter Sunday in our homes watching church services and communion via the internet. The church may be empty but so is the tomb, and that is what we are celebrating, every day of our lives here on earth. Good to read from a brother in Christ.

    Reply
  5. Ted Van Schoick

    Very well said.

    I like to refer to Easter as Resurrection Sunday.

    Reply
  6. Vicki Garrett

    Amen to all that has been said here! Thank you TC for reminding everyone what Easter is all about. Yes, it will be different from what everyone is used to, but the bunnies, candy, Easter egg hunts, and all the commercialism is not what Easter, is about; it is about our Lord’s resurrection! Without that the forgiveness of our sins wouldn’t have been washed away, so in a way we are resurrected also when we believe and trust in Him! We put away our old self and are made anew. Praise the Lord! All honor and glory belong to Him. God bless you, Darcy and all your family!

    Reply
  7. MARYLIN NICHOLLS

    Thank you for this wonderful post! Bless you and yours! “God is in His Heaven and all is right with the world”…..that quote comes to me as I sit here – it’s true – even in the midst of world crisis. “Be still and know that I am God”. As we worship at home at our various churches via YouTube or Facebook, let us be grateful that we can worship together as a community and live as if we believe it and do/be as the verses in your post. I keep praying and trying and worshiping and believing and loving…………and knowing all is well – “God is in His Heaven and all is right with the world”…….He will get us through this! “So fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed.” Happy Easter, dear Ones!

    Reply
  8. Sandy Perley

    Thank you for your writings TC! That was just what I needed to calm my spirit this morning.!

    Reply
  9. Charles Yoder

    I posted this on my Facebook page because I thought it was worth sharing. Good sentiments that many of my friends will agree with.

    Reply
  10. Charlotte Mitchell

    Thank you for an outstanding article – so much truth in your words. Many churches will be empty Easter morning – but then so is the tomb!! We serve a living Christ who is with us continually even when we can’t be with others!

    Reply
  11. Scott Alan Blanchard

    Thanks, TC. Truly wise and wonderful words of counsel. I do try to live my life this way daily. I know many do. I hope many more will.

    Reply
  12. Holly Cohen

    Thank you again for your very wise words and reminders of Love for one and all.

    Reply
  13. Judy Nestibo

    Thankyou for your excellent thoughts! Inspiring and comforting. God bless you and happy Easter!
    He is Risen! Just as He said!

    Reply
  14. judy warden

    Amen, TC you said what I believe and more. I think we all should ponder on the words of Christ. They are a manual to help us be the best we can. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
    Judy

    Reply
  15. Charlyne Craver

    Thanks, TC, for a great piece. Hopefully we are all doing just as it says – most of the time, anyhow.
    Have a Blessed Easter!!!!
    Char

    Reply

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