Love, Forgive and Give – Easter message for sharing
In 2022, we are personally and collectively navigating tense moments and hostile, unnerving global events. An enduring pandemic that has changed our lives and livelihoods; the rise in racism that continues to affront human dignity, rights and justice; exacerbated mental health crises that are impacting the youngest and the oldest; deep-seeded ecological apathy and inaction; and looming unrest and conflict becoming full-fledged wars and assaults leading to death, destruction and displacement all over the world.
The question is, if hope is possible and even enough.
Then, I think about the image of Jesus, on the cross and let my imagination pull the truth of that moment and the merit of that act into frame, for I know the outcome of that sacrifice.
There is resurrection!
With resounding clarity, I immediately hear the beginning of John 3:16, “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son…” (AMPC). What follows, more quietly, is the cry of Jesus, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36 NASB)
There is a contrast of perspective between God and Jesus; and yet there is also a shared commitment to the mission and deep expression of emotion in the face of a difficult decision that actuates an eternal solution. Jesus endured the cross, the suffering and the pain, not as a response to what was deserved but as an act of what God wanted, and decided to, preserve.
Jesus’ first words are to Mary after his resurrection. He asks her why she is crying and who she is looking for? In this exchange is the first invitation of hope for Mary and for every believer thereafter. Later in the passage, Jesus goes to his disciples, who are hiding, and says, “Peace to you! [Just] as the Father has sent Me forth, so I am sending you.” (John 20:21AMPC)
We are in days of decisions and moments of truth. With all that needs to be confronted, there must be hope and there must be a conviction to confront. I ask if you will, in the face of difficult decisions, perhaps pray the prayer Jesus did but still face the destiny set before you.
I believe that we all play purposeful roles in the construct and condition of this world. Where do you, or where will you, stand on 2022’s issues of humanity? Will the crowds overtake you, with the status quo, until you chant what they chant? Demands for crucifixion, bigotry, and persecution? Or will you be on the other side of history, challenged to take up the mantle of a prophetic voice as an adversary to injustice, to invoke a shift to the current zeitgeist?
In faith and intention, let us remember this tremendous act of love and forgiveness. May your reflection this Easter point in a purposed direction. May the light of Jesus, the “High Priest Who [was able] to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation” (Hebrews 4:15AMPC) lead you into moments of courage, intentions of care, decisions of love, sincerity to forgive, and compassion to give.
Jesus Christ is the enduring hope guiding us towards new opportunities to demonstrate the power of love and healing through meaningful action. The Easter message is the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. It is that even in the most solemn of moments, something profound – and yes, even transformational can arise – when it’s rooted in love, for the greater good of all of our Creator’s creations.
With a shared vision and purpose of love – for the land, living beings and humankind – we can step out with an even greater measure of faith. May we all continue to be inspired by Jesus’ example of unwavering love in action.
Wishing you and your loved ones an abundant and blessed Easter.
Aisha Francis
Executive Director, KAIROS Canada
PS. This Easter, be the Spirit of Change. Support our shared work for human rights and ecological justice. Please, give generously today.
