Monday, April 27, 2009

Easter Season

It’s Easter season. The Bunny. Fancy clothes. Parades. Colored eggs to find. Baked ham, pineapple, and sweet potatoes. Candy-filled baskets with
intricate chocolate creations. Jelly beans. No? What then—spring weather? Full church? Upbeat scriptures? Finally shouting “Alleluia” once again?
Of course Easter is all of these, and infinitely more. It’s the celebration of new birth. It’s the anniversary of the most astounding miracle ever recorded. And yet— what’s this “resurrection” REALLY all about? What’s it got to do with ME? What do I get out of it? Whose new birth? Why all the fuss?
The answers to these age-old questions can make the difference between existing and living, between lethargy and purpose, between life and death. It has something to do with “the kingdom.” Do I really believe that this Jesus fellow staggered willingly into a trap to be tortured to death for ME? Isn’t this insane? Why would ANYONE do such a thing? This strange, unbelievable, cataclysmic event, Easter—what about it? Has it changed me? Has my understanding been not just intellectually broadened, but radically changed—then has grace seeped into my soul to make me profoundly different, forgiving, full of gratitude, on fire, NEW? Is Easter REAL to me? Do I even
understand what God has done—is doing—for me? On a practical level, is it important? Do I care? Why?