Easter!  How do you feel about it?

I live in Florida, and I miss my extended family "up North".  

It's not as bad as Christmas in terms of feeling away from family.  I've been to some extra services and that has added to the sacredness of the season.  

What's on your agenda?  

Thank you! I am enjoying God's peace.  It is a wonderful season - a time of death and resurrection - a time when life reigns supreme.  A time when we can die to the false values of this world and quietly cherish the the Kingdom of God's grace within us as Jesus did.  

Yes Jesus was faithful unto death and he did show us how that faithfulness could provide an alternative to the predictable normalcy of Rome and corrupt Jewish authority at that time.  Jesus showed us an alternative to putting power, position and money above caring for our neighbors, didn't he?  He triumphed over Rome and he triumphed over death!

Their world (1st Century) was not that different.  Rome was moving in to control the fishing in Galilee where Jesus found his disciples - it was hard to make a living anymore apart from collaboration with the power of Rome.  Jewish customs protecting the poor were thrown aside.  Rome had taxed many farmers of Judea out of their land and they assaulted the value of fairness desired by God for all people.

The Jesus community took in these outcasts left by Rome - the dispossessed farmers and the sick, the widows, the prostitutes and the ones no one cared to associate with.  Jesus showed us how to love and have compassion on everyone.  He was faithful in life and in death.  

Later followers called him "Lord" - above and instead of the "Lordship of Caesar". His was the Kingdom of God, not that of selfish man.  In God's Kingdom all were equal, fed, brought to health, set free, and cared for and loved.  

Standing by Jesus means having the same faithfulness that he had, in our own lives.  I am glad to hear you have the courage to put the values that he carried above all else in life: Justice, Love, Mercy and a sense of openness and caring for all God's Children, the Earth, and all God's creation.  This love is extended to all - no matter what their beliefs, lack of privilege at birth, or lack of piety. 

Jesus, who was a jew by birth, lived Hosea's prescription for living:  "Do Justice, Love Mercy, and walk quietly with your God".  The experience of seeing his living spirit after the resurrection, gave great hope to those who were so severely challenged by the conditions of that time.

I am glad to hear of a man with God silently living inside, who can shine that light of God to all Creation.  We need humble, simple, natural people who have the courage to love their enemies and those different than them, people who bring peace to the world, and who live faithfully and non violently - people fearless unto death (as Jesus was), who treasure the quiet, natural, living values of the spirit of Christ and use these values as their guide.     

Thank you for sharing your story.