Easter

I understand the importance of celebrating "Easter" but I don't think the way it is being observed is right at present. I understand the word "Easter"is derived from European paganism also there is disagreement about the date. If anyone is able to resolve these issues I think I could participate more enthusiastically with the celebrations!

Now I need to rewatch Ben Hur. Charlton Heston version or new one? ❤️

Watched The Passion, which is grueling. I had to walk out of the room during the flogging and the scene where the nails were driven into his hands and feet. I am in a metamorphosis as to what Easter means to me. Trauma based mind control or God in Flesh come to restore all to the Father? Once a sadistic God who subjects disobedient humans to eternal conscious torment is removed and Almighty God who is full of love and mercy is revealed, the Cross becomes a mystery. An instrument of control over the conquered by Empire becomes a sacred altar where the Worthy pay a price the unworthy could never pay. And it doesn't end with Jesus. We are told to pick up our cross daily.

I remember watching the Passion in my early twenties as a shameful prodigal and weeping from the opening scenes of Gethsemane until Jesus stood up in the tomb, disturbingly nude. It was MY SIN that put him on that cross. NO. It was religious bigotry and Roman cowardice that put him on that cross. I pointed out to my husband when he said "Why did the Jews want to kill their own?". I said, no, those are a few bad actors. That's a crowd of paid protestors. As Jesus was flogged and struggled beneath the weight of the cross, the People came out, full of pity and outrage. That's how it always is. A few bad, more good. Willing to risk everything when they are suddenly gasping and reeling at the full revelation of the machine that is Injustice.

And then the incredible irony of the whole Passion, a concept that I was first introduced to by a Counselor who gave me a book entitled "Don't Forgive too Soon". The Romans had strict laws about everything, and there were laws about how occupied peoples were to be treated. The Romans were allowed to make a Jew carry their load for 1 mile, but not two. They were permitted to strike a Jew on one cheek, but not the other. They were permitted to take their outer garment, but not the shirt off their back. And they were permitted to either scourge or crucify a man, but not both. Jesus taught his followers to make the Romans break their own rules. It is construed as living a life of martyrdom, but in truth this is what would eventually take out Ceasar. And while it is unfortunate that Christianity was made the state religion of Rome and so corrupted, we have the testimony of the Gospels. This was always Jesus' plan. His Kingdom is not of this world.

So in lieu of going down to the very political community church, political without actually every saying what they actually believe in, I'm sitting here typing this. Humans are as emotional and manipulated today as we were 2000 years ago. We can't have serious discussions about religion or politics without devolving into vitriol and leaving mad... because the stakes are too high, and the wounds are too deep. I don't live a Sunday morning Christianity. I don't need to be seen. I don't need to beg God to spare me from hell. If I need hell, I'll submit to that established time. Free will is absolute, until it is not. God is the Good Shepherd, and He will never leave us. I spend my days praying. Contemplative as I work and serve my family. I think Jesus' message is still there: I will send you a Helper.