Easter, like Christmas, is a two-pronged holiday. On one hand you have a furry bunny handing out eggs and candy and fun. On the other hand, you have a guy who was nailed to a cross rising up from the dead. Hmmm... wonder which one attracts the most young folks?
Anyway, let’s try some non-Easter bunny thoughts for an Easter morning.
Whether you believe Jesus actually died on a cross, and then resurrected three days later, or not, just consider this:
A Bible is a book of parables, which vary according to book, chapter, verse and “version”. It was written “as a guide” with a “male” bias, (since “female” wasn’t accepted as equal). Strangely enough, it was presented to me that way in 1960-something Catholic school religion classes by more than one nun. Parables are stories written by humans, not facts. Every interpreter or published Bible-helper spins an interpretation.
Whether you accept a “holy book” or not, let’s just say that Jesus was a guy who spent his life trying to be good to people, helping people and trying to teach people that good is better than bad. During his life and work, he was scorned by many for speaking his truth, and his fans (disciples?) did little to help him.
Finally he suffered betrayal by a trusted friend, was harassed and tortured by people who were afraid of what he was doing, and, ultimately nailed to a cross to be further harassed and then put down and out. (Hang in, we’re leading up to Easter positivity…)
He was placed (not “buried”) in a rock cave/chamber/tomb, and three days later Mary Magdalene and some other women found this chamber empty and spread the word. (Note: Women stepped in here…)
Ultimately, Jesus reappeared to them and some of his disciples. He continued a renewed life for a figurative 40 days, teaching disciples and others to go forward. Then he ascended (faded?) into heaven. Holy Spirit comes in here….
So anyway, whether you believe it or don’t, let’s consider the reality of a person, say Jesús, (Note accent mark) in our real world who spends his life trying to be good to people, helping people, trying to teach people, AND influence others that good is better than bad. During his life and work, he is threatening to many in power by challenging norms and using truth to build good things. When the walls close in on him, his trusted friends and colleagues back away in fear of losing their jobs, some turn against him. He is ultimately belittled and terminated. He then backs away, spends time in reflection and regeneration, and resurrects himself and his work again, in a new environment, trying to do more good, driven by keeping a positive inner spirit.
The Dog likes the second one better as a relatable Easter Story for everyone about facing your challenges, taking your defeats, then finding your resurrection, renewal, revitalization.. and moving ahead again. There are many of these people out there.
Men AND women.. even some who may read this...
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Final thought … If you want to be a big hit at your Easter party — Google “Eastre”, and learn about how the bunny started.
Thank your God for Holy Spirits …
Happy Easter !
