So what is it all about? This Easter celebration and this Holy Week?
I think one of the most important factors perhaps not often focussed on is forgiveness.
This week, it is right and proper, that we remember Christ's arrest, torture and cruel death by Crucifixion. And of course, His Resurrection three days later.
But there is more to it than that.
Jesus, the Son of God, came to this earth so we might see Him as a human. We might listen to Him, learn from Him, witness His power through His miracles, love and compassion. But He also came to earth to build a bridge once again between sinning humanity and God its Creator. It is through Jesus that we find our way back to God.
At the heart of this week is forgiveness and mercy.
Jesus forgave the disciples for running away in fear when He was arrested. He forgave Peter for denying knowing Him. He forgave the crowd just as He was dying on the Cross for what they had done to Him. He forgave the repentant thief hanging on a cross just beside Him. I'd like to believe that He also forgave Judas who killed himself in despair for what he had done. We don't have any Biblical evidence of this last forgiveness, but let us remember that Judas was in a state of despair. He knew he had done wrong. He tried to return the money he received for betraying Jesus. He was sorry for what He had done. So I guess that an all-knowing God would have had pity on him at his darkest hour, just as He had pity on those who put Him on the Cross.
That's what's it all about. Forgiveness. Compassion. Love and Mercy.
Let us remember that when someone asks us for forgiveness. Or when we too need to seek forgiveness from God and others.
...it seems like people like to secularize religious holidays and Christmas and Easter are the best examples. Victor, enjoy this Holy Week.
ReplyDeleteSadly, you are right, Tom. Christian celebrations are commercialised.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
YES and Thanks! A sweet reminder of the terrible and the GREAT! HE LIVES!
ReplyDeleteSherry & jack
having a beautiful day in Florida
Thank you Sherry & Jack for your nice comment. Here in the UK it is sunny and very cold.
DeleteGod bless always.
BTW, thank you for the prayers. :-)
ReplyDeletePraying for all my readers.
DeleteWishing you a Blessed Easter Jack & Sherry.
God bless.
Thank you, Victor! I've learned more from you about forgiveness and mercy than I ever did from decades spent sitting in a pew each Sunday morning.
ReplyDeletePS - I don't mean to be irreverent! But when I read your title, I couldn't help but add, "Alfie" ... and start humming. That's a favorite!
What? You mean the Cilla Black song "What's it all about, Alfie?" was famous in the US? Or was it Dionne Warwick's version?
DeleteYou say such kind things, Mevely. Thank you. Forgiveness is never easy, and the harder we've been hurt the more difficult it is to forgive. Especially when the reminders of the hurt haunt us every day. But this should not stop us from trying to forgive. That is all God asks of us.
God bless you always, Mevely.
Thank you, Victor. No, I'm remembering Dionne Warwick's hit. I used to play it over and over. (And over.)
DeleteA great song indeed Mevely. I used to play it on the radio, both Dionne Warwick and Cilla Black.
DeleteGod bless.
Amen, Victor! That's what this week is all about.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Forgiveness ... often such a difficult thing to do.
DeleteGod bless you and yours, Martha.
I'm not great at forgiving, but I do feel better when I just move on. It is easier to forgive as I get older, I hope others can forgive me as well...not that I've done anything to need forgiveness...or have I. Probably a lot.
ReplyDeleteYes, as we get older, perhaps the memory fades a little and we forgive, or we believe that we do. The difference is important. Because that is what we'll have to prove to God when we meet Him face to face.
DeleteGod bless, JoeH.
Dearest Victor,
ReplyDeleteAt least Easter is not about Bunnies and Eggs...
Let's hope that more people start pondering about its TRUE MEANING!
Hugs,
Mariette
Indeed Mariette; let us pray that it is so.
DeleteGod bless.
☦️
DeleteAs we grow older, it is easier to forgive. Just think how much time and energy was wasted on holding a grudge. I know that I'm not proud of everything I did but I try to forgive myself and hope others will too forgive me if I done them wrong. It sounds so easy but it is so hard. Thanks for this wonderful lesson and have a happy and blessed Easter.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bill for your wise words. Let us pray for forgiveness and love for one another.
DeleteGod bless always.
Dear Victor ~ this is most excellent and reflects my own heart. Forgiveness can be hard, but oh the freedom it brings. How can we not forgive others when we understand and the greatness of what we have been forgiven. Underserved...forgiveness never is, but a gift of salvation and freedom. Have a blessed and beautiuf Holy Week!
ReplyDeleteIndeed Wanda, forgiveness can bring salvation and freedom; however difficult it might be.
DeleteGod bless you. Wishing you a blessed Holy Week.
Forgiveness, mercy and grace - HE LIVES!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!
Amen Happyone.
DeleteGod bless.
DeleteAll the evil in the world was thrown at Jesus - The power-seeking politics of the local elite. The casual brutality of imperial Rome. The disloyalty of Judas. The failure of Peter. He suffered for all of it on the cross. It is an entirely new way of looking at Jesus’ suffering. It was the wrath of God against all evil, but the sacrifice of our precious Jesus paid for it all. What a gift to mankind!!! He forgave them all, taking their sins to the cross. We are redeemed, and all we have to do is stay the course - love, forgive, trust in the Lord.
You are so right, Nells. I have little to add. Jesus came into this world to conquer evil - and He has.
DeleteGod bless you always my friend.
Sorry, I hit the button too soon. Have a wonderful Holy Week and beautiful Easter Sunday with God’s blessings.
ReplyDeleteAnd the same to you, Nells. I wish you great happiness and joy, and a blessed Holy Week and Easter.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
Like you, i believe that if Judas had not taken his life, and had come back to Jesus after the resurrection and asked to be forgiven, he would have found he had already been forgiven.
ReplyDeleteWe will never know how much we've been forgiven, i think, it is beyond our grasping.
It is indeed beyond our grasping as to how much we are forgiven; this is because we have no real concept of sin, or indeed the healing power of forgiveness. We do not readily forgive. How then can we understand that we are readily forgiven?
DeleteGod bless, Mimi.