And The Greatest Of These Is Love
by Jackie Johnson
Each day before church day camp, my pastor would repeat three commandments for working with children: Love your kids. Love your kids. Love your kids.
"No problem. I love children," I thought naively. And it never was a problem in one-week summer camps or 45-minute Sunday school classes. I had to face the real test when I came to work at a children's home here.
I arrived at the home September 1, after six weeks of language study. From that first day Zulema, 16, would not talk to me, would not look at me. Well, sometimes she'd send some nasty words my way. I had no idea why. What could I have done?
At the end of October, she accepted Jesus -- but her attitude didn't change. I thought that if she were truly following Jesus, she would have to soften eventually; hopefully, before I left!
In the meantime, I was having trouble loving her. Sometimes I would be filled with a hatred towards her. I would pray and repeat to myself over and over, "Choose love. Choose love." I could say I loved her because she is a child of God, but I could not feel love in my heart.
About two weeks before Christmas, I had an incredibly joy-filled day, and it was the first day that I could truthfully say, "I love Zulema, no matter what."
Zulema started talking to me that day! Her attitude has done a 180-degree turnabout; it's as if those prior three and a half months didn't happen. On Christmas she gave me a card and a hug! In the card, Zulema asked me to forgive her for having mistreated me.
I thank the Lord, because only he can change hearts like that.
As Easter approaches, I pray that I will be able to continue to tap into that source of love and forgiveness, and that others will as well. Imagine if we can spread it to those around us, especially those who, like Zulema, are hard to love -- and who have a hard time loving -- because of all the difficulties they have had thrown at them.
Jackie Johnson serves with Mennonite Central Committee's SALT (Serving and Learning Together) program at the Stansberry Children's Home in
Santa Cruz, Bolivia. She is from Fairview, Alberta, and is a member of Grace Lutheran Church in
Victoria, British Columbia.
|
An Easter Story
author unknown
One day the teacher tells her first grade students that she will give an extra gold star to the first one who can correctly tell the class the true meaning of Easter.
Little Suzy raises her hand and says, "Easter is when you cook a great big turkey and invite all your family over and everyone gives thanks and..." At this point the teacher interrupted and said, "I'm sorry, Suzy, that's 'Thanksgiving'. Now who can explain 'Easter'? "
That's when little Tommy raised his hand and volunteered, "I know, I know! Easter is all about Jesus! And that's when he was born and the three wise men came and...", whereupon the teacher again interrupted and said, No, Tommy, that's not correct either... that's 'Christmas'! Does anybody else know what 'Easter" is all about?"
Finally, little Danny raised his hand and said "I know the answer! It's about Jesus all right, but not about when he was born...it's about when he died for our sins and how he was crucified on the cross!" The teacher said, "That's right, Danny!", but Danny said, "But wait, there's more! After they crucified him, they took him down from the cross and put him in a cave and rolled a huge stone in front of the opening. Then three days later the stone was removed and Jesus came walking out, and then he looked down and saw his shadow...and we had six more weeks of winter!"
|
At The Foot of The Cross
author unknown
The Bible teacher Steve Brown likes to tell the story of a medieval Christian and learned man who fell upon hard times near the end of his life. Old and extremely sick, he was rescued from the street and brought to a hospital. Believing the man was unconscious, one doctor spoke to another, saying "What shall we do with this poor, worthless creature?"
Upon hearing this, the man raised up from his bed, and cried out, "Do not call that man worthless for whom Christ died!" If the crucifixion and resurrection are ever to truly take hold in our life and become more than historical events, we must appreciate this point.
We spend a huge chunk of our lives pursuing acceptance and approval from various sources : our parents, our spouses, our children, our friends, our bosses. We wrestle with self-esteem and self-worth. We spend our lives seeking to establish our significance, and the nature of the quest is that we can't quite do it alone.
It is rare that we fully confess how desperately we crave this affirmation and approval; we don't want others to glimpse our need. But God sees it, and knows its origin and its solution. The "God-shaped vacuum," as Augustine observed, is part of the manufacturing process - "For you have made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee."
Our worth in God's eyes is rooted in the fact that Jesus Christ was willing to die for each one of us - that He came specifically to fill the God-shaped vacuum in your heart and mine.
For Good Friday and Easter to change us, we must allow our quest for significance to lead us to Calvary and a personal encounter with Christ. For it is only at the foot of the cross that we can truly comprehend the depth of God's love and acceptance. It is only then that we can look at the mirror each morning, and see the one for whom Christ died.
|
A Better Easter Tradition
by Brad Haugaard
Last Easter eve I came to the point where I had heard just about enough from my son and daughter about bunnies and chicks and eggs. It just seemed something rather crucial was missing.
As I was pondering this I decided we should start an Easter tradition at our house that would emphasize Jesus for our children. We tried it and it worked quite well, so I thought I'd share it.
In short, Patti and I explained the Easter story to the kids, and then wrapped "Jesus" (the little engineer from my son Mark's Tomy train set) with a tissue paper shroud and placed him into the tomb (an open paper bag on its side, surrounded on either side -- and bridged on top -- with books). Then we rolled a stone (a grapefruit) over the entrance to the tomb and placed two soldiers (a pair of Marky's little toy knights) to guard the entrance.
"Okay," I said to the kids, "You guys can come out here early in the morning and see if Jesus is still in the tomb, or if He has risen. If He has risen, you come get Mommy and Daddy out of bed and get us to come look. We'll say you made a mistake and you're all wrong, but you keep telling us to come look."
It was amazing.
Kirsten wanted to know if an angel was going to roll away the stone; Marky wanted to peek into the tomb all evening (I wouldn't let him); Kirsten even told Marky if he got up first he had her permission to push her out of bed (This does not happen at our house).
Well, I don't usually get up before 6 am, but there were two eager little children at our bedside before the crack of dawn. They wanted us to know that Jesus had risen and insisted that we come see. We did. The grapefruit was rolled away, the soldiers were lying down, out cold, and I "discovered" that "Jesus" had risen to the mantle over the fireplace.
I talked to the kids later and confirmed (as they suspected) that I had moved the stone, and explained that we had done this to remember Jesus' resurrection. But knowing that their dad had a hand in the affair didn't make any difference. They both loved it and wanted to do it again.
Maybe this year I'll start it on Friday with Jesus death, and make a paper maché cave and get some little Roman soldiers and paint them, and have a little light bulb for their campfire, and add some angels for Easter morning,
and ...
|
The Cross
author unknown
It's become fashionable these days to wear crosses, not necessarily as a sign of faith, but as a trendy accessory. Crosses are hip now.
An anecdote someone recently shared with me tells of an encounter at a department store jewelry counter. The customer says she is interested in buying a cross, to which the sales clerk replies : "Do you want a plain one, or one with the little man on it?"
On Good Friday, we must comprehend that the cross is more than a fashion statement. Take a moment to consider what the cross meant in Jesus' day.
A hot topic these days is crime and punishment. How do we attempt to deter violence? The death penalty has been around for ages, and the Roman Empire in the time of Tiberius took it mighty seriously. There wasn't a hot debate about lethal injection or other humane methods of putting one to death. The Romans wanted executions to be excruciatingly painful and as public as possible. Thus, the Roman practice of death by crucifixion.
We often turn away from the horror of the cross. Sometimes we want to take encouragement from the fact that Christ died for us, but skip over the messy details. We shouldn't. This brief account, based upon the gospels of Matthew and John, provides a sense of Jesus' ordeal.
During the trial before Caiaphas, the priests "spit in his face and struck him with their fists." Then, "they bound him" and sent him to Pilate, who had him flogged; the usual procedure was to tie the criminal's hands to a pillar, strip their upper body and deliver up to 40 blows with a three-pronged whip. Then "the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head," after which "they took (a) staff and struck him on the head, again and again." Weakened from the beatings he had received, Jesus was unable to carry his cross the whole distance to Calvary, as was customary, so an onlooker named Simon of Cyrene was pressed into duty by the soldiers. Christ was then affixed to the cross by having large nails driven through his wrists and into the wood. In crucifixions, death came by suffocation as the weight of the victim made breathing progressively more difficult as they lost strength. It took six hours for Jesus to die.
Clearly, the solemnity of the cross is increasingly lost upon today's society. As Christians, we must never lose sight of the true meaning of the crucifixion. It reminds us that the grace that we stand in didn't come cheap. Jesus Christ paid a huge price for our salvation. All it will cost us is our pride and self-will. Sometimes it seems to us that this is too great a price, which only indicates how far removed we are from the details of Christ's sacrifice.
The extraordinary power of the cross is that no matter where we've been or how far we've wandered, we can stand in God's presence - just as we are. It serves as the bridge between a broken people and a Holy God. Take a moment this Good Friday and ask yourself which side of the breach you're on. Believing on the power of Christ's death and resurrection, cross that bridge into eternal life and peace with God.
|
The Easter Story As Told In The Gospels
King James Version
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
(John 3:16-17)
The Last Supper
And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he said unto them: and they made ready for the Passover. And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.
(Mark 14:16-17)
And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you. I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
(Mark 14:22-25)
Jesus is Crucified
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying Hail King of the Jews! And they spit on him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him and led him away to crucify him.
(Matthew 27:27-31)
And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people and women, which also bewailed and lamented him. (Luke 23:26-27).
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.
(Luke 23:33-34)
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. (John 19:23-24)
Jesus Dies and Is Buried
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, he said, Father into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
(Luke 23:44-47)
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
(Matthew 27:57-60)
And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus beheld where he was laid.
(Mark 15:47)
Jesus is Risen!
And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
(Mark 16:2-7)
So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
(Mark 16:19-20)
|
The Empty Tomb
On Sunday, as the sun was coming up, the women hurried back to the tomb where Jesus was buried, with salves and spices which they had prepared. When they got to the tomb, to their amazement, they saw the big stone sealing the tomb had been rolled away. So they went in to see the body. But Jesus' body was not there. The women just stood there, not knowing what to think or do. When all at once, two men (angels, actually) in brilliant clothes were standing beside them. The women were scared.
"Why are you looking around the dead people, when the person you seek is alive?" asked one of the men. "Jesus is not in here! He is risen! He is alive! Remember when he told you that he had to be crucified on the cross and that he would rise again on the third day after his death?"
Then the women remembered what he had told them, and they ran back to tell the others what had happened. But, when they told the disciples their story, they didn't believe them. Then Peter ran out to the tomb to see for himself what was going on. When he got there, he found the garments that Jesus had been wearing, but nothing else. Jesus was gone. So Peter was very confused.
On the same day, two men were going home to Emmaus, which was about 7 miles from Jerusalem. They were walking and talking about what had happened and they were feeling very sad. Suddenly, Jesus began to walk along with them. But they couldn't see that it was him. He asked them, "What are you talking about?"
They said, "You must be the only one in Jerusalem that doesn't know what has happened." So they told him about what had happened to Jesus. When they finally got to Emmaus, they invited Jesus into their home. And as they shared a meal together, Jesus let them see that it was him. Then he vanished. They immediately ran back to Jerusalem to tell the others what had happened. And this was the end of the first Easter.
Luke 24: 1-43, and John 20: 24-29
|
The Fisherman
Jesus had told Peter that he was a king, none other than the Son of God Himself. Peter, a poor fisherman, had watched Jesus make a blind person see. That convinced him Jesus told the truth.
But now Jesus had died on the cross. He had died, as all mortal men do sooner or later. Peter no longer knew what to think.
Three days later, on the first Easter Sunday, Jesus was alive. Peter saw him. "I do not understand," he said as he looked at Jesus. "You cannot kill the Son of God," Jesus said. "And they have not. I have risen." Peter was afraid he was just dreaming. "What do you want me to do?" he asked. "Go to Galilee and wait for word," Jesus said. Peter did, but after only a short time he told himself that what he thought had happened never really happened, and he returned home.
One night thereafter, Peter and other friends of Jesus' went out fishing. They caught nothing through the long night. Then they saw Jesus on the beach. Jesus told them to throw their fishing net on the right side of the boat. They did, and caught so many fish they were not able to pull them into the boat. It was a miracle.
"Feed my lambs," Jesus said. "Feed the hungry. Go into the world and teach that I am truly the Son of the Lord." Peter wept for joy, and did as he was told.
|
Grandmother's Easter Flame
author unknown
"I am sorry you can't go with us tonight, Grandmother," Katina said. "I know that you love the Easter Eve church service." Katina's grandmother smiled at Katina. She patted her granddaughter's hand. "Don't worry, dear," she said. "I will probably be feeling better next Easter. Next year, I can go to church with everyone else. Now hurry along, dear."
Katina kissed her grandmother and ran to join her parents. Together they walked through the dark streets of the little Greek village. They called out greetings to the other people going to church. Katina felt excitement chewing at her stomach. The sadness of Lent was almost over. It would soon be time for happiness and fun.
Katina and her family entered the dark church and found their way to their seats. They could not see much, but they could hear the whispers and shuffling of their neighbors. The church was certainly full on this Easter Saturday night! Katina enjoyed the beautiful church service. She wished that her grandmother was sharing it with her.
The priest cried out, "Christ is risen!" Katina knew then that it must be midnight. Easter Sunday had begun.
Katina held her breath as the priest lit the gigantic Paschal candle, which was over three meters high. This was the sign for everyone to pick up smaller candles brought from home. One by one, people lit their candles using the flame of the Paschal candle, until all the candles in the church were lit. Katina shivered with delight as her candle flickered and danced. All the people in the church had shared its flame!
Soon the whole church was aglow with candlelight. Katina could see the smiling faces of her friends and neighbors. She could see the blossoms that decorated the church. The singing began and Katina hoped that if she sang loudly enough, her grandmother would hear the Easter hymn from her bedroom.
When the service was over, Katina and her family left the church. Bells were ringing. Fireworks lit up the sky. Katina's parents stopped to talk to their friends, but Katina wanted to hurry home. She was the only one who had not blown out her candle. Her hand was cropped around the flame.
Her parents smiled at her. They seemed to know what she was going to do. "Be careful on your way," was all they said.
Katina walked slowly through the streets. She did not want the flame to go out. The Easter flame lit Katina's way through the village. It made her feet safe and warm inside.
Soon, she was standing in the doorway of her grandmother's room. "Wake up, Grandmother," Katina called softly.
"I am awake, dear," Katina's grandmother said. "You look like an Easter angel standing there in the candlelight. Thank you so much for bringing my Easter flame."
Katina placed the candle in the holder beside her grandmother's bed. As she bent over to kiss her grandmother, Katina could see her tears of joy. Easter was truly here!
|
Jeremy's Egg
by Ida Mae Kempel
Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the age of 12 he was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool and make grunting noises.
At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy irritated his teacher. One day she called his parents and asked them to come to St. Theresa's for a consultation.
As the Forresters sat quietly in the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a five-year gap between his age and that of the other students!"
Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue, while her husband spoke. "Miss Miller" he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here."
Doris sat for a long time after they left, staring at the snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only child had a terminal illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other youngsters to teach, and Jeremy was a distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn to read and write. Why waste any more time trying?
As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. "Oh God," she said aloud, here I am complaining when my problems are nothing compared to that poor family! Please help me to be more patient with Jeremy!"
From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises and his blank stares. Then one day, he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him.
"I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loud enough for the whole class to hear. The other students snickered, and Doris' face turned red. She stammered, "Wh-why that's very nice Jeremy, N-now please take your seat."
Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them, "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Miss Miller!" the children responded enthusiastically--all except for Jeremy. He just listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did not even make his usual noises.
Has he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them.
That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse, and prepare a vocabulary test. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents.
The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's disk. After the math lesson, it was time to open the eggs.
In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground we know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arm, "That's my egg, Miss Miller."
The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that is new life, too." Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine!"
Next Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom, "My Daddy helped me!" he beamed.
The Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty! Surely it must be Jeremy's, she thought, and of course, he did not understand her instructions. It only she had not forgotten to phone his parents! Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another.
Suddenly Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?"
Flustered, Doris replied, "But Jeremy--your egg is empty!" He looked into here eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty, too!"
"Oh, yes! Jeremy said, "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then His Father raised Him up!"
The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the schoolyard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away.
Three months later, Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them empty.
|
Jesus' Death-A Story For The Living
by Janet Panning
"At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' -- which means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'
"When some of those standing near heard this, they said, Listen, he's calling Elijah.'
"One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down,' he said.
"With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
"The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, Surely this man was the Son of God!'
"Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, the younger, and of Joses, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there" (Mark 15: 33-41).
I went with a family to check out wheelchair access in a local school the other day. The principal, at first formal and aloof, warmed up to us and began telling stories of her experiences as a teacher with students with disabilities.
She had an 11th-grader one year who had cancer. The student had her leg amputated below the knee. Eventually, the doctor amputated above the knee to relieve the pain, but not because he thought she would recover.
This girl had to spend time during the all-important grade 11 exam-preparation in the hospital. Her girlfriends took daily turns visiting her in the hospital, carrying her assignments to her and carrying her homework back to the teachers. She was out of the hospital in time for the regional exams.
"She used to be my color (brown)", said the principal, "but when I handed her the test she was as white as the paper. I asked if she felt OK, and she nodded yes."
The day after the exams, the girl went back into the hospital. Two weeks before the exam results came out, she died.
"She got five passes and two distinctions (honors)," the principal said. "Her friends planned the entire funeral, and carried the coffin. Just before they got to the hearse, they all started crying and dropped the coffin. Fortunately, the undertakers were standing there and caught it."
The story moved me greatly. I felt shaken as we left the school. I said to the others, "What a sad story. She even died without knowing that she passed her exams."
"That is not the point of the story," the others said. "It is a story about the girls rallying around when their friend needed them. It is a story of inspiration, a story for the living."
The crucifixion message is also one of suffering and death. Instead of people rallying around, the crucifixion message tells of people sad and frightened, running from their friend. Only a few stayed behind to help with the burial. It is a sad story, of people at their worst in a time of need.
The crucifixion story, however, is also a message of God's presence -- even in suffering and human weakness. It is a message of God's nearness, and God's overwhelming faithfulness to us as we flee from God's ultimate sacrifice. It is a story of inspiration, a story for the living.
Janet Panning co-directs Mennonite Central Committee's programs in Jamaica.
|
Jesus, In Our Time
Chicago Sentinel 3-29-99
Noted Eco terrorist Jesus Christ was put to death today.
In an ending in keeping with the way he has led his life for the last three years, he died causing more harm to mother earth than was ever thought possible. At the time of his death a massive storm and earthquake occurred causing much local destruction. Graves were opened and it was reported that people long dead were walking the local streets. Police said that they couldn't verify the reports and that they were treating them as the ravings of the cultists.
None of the cult could be reached for comment and it is believed that they have gone underground. It has also been reported that states witness Judas Iscariot was seen entering a hotel where Jack Kavorican is known to have a room. Mr. Kavorican's lawyer said that it is a comfort that people can be relieved of mental anguish, and again called his client a man of great compassion and mercy.
The execution is being celebrated widely by just about all environmental groups. In a related story many congressmen are calling for stricter environmental laws. Congressman Fred Deerskin from Florida said that maybe it is time for government to confiscate all land. "Only the government has the wisdom to deal properly with these issues," the congressman said. The reaction to this by environmental groups is mostly positive.
The crimes of Mr. Christ, (a name thought to be an alias) are widely documented and to numerous to mention here, although we will lightly touch on the worst infractions against world environmental law. The damage to our sacred planet may be beyond repair.
We have little information on Christ's childhood and early years. Most people that knew him said he was always polite and was a quiet person. Some of his teachers from school said that he was prone to giving his interpretation of the books. These same teachers said that they were not surprised by what has happened.
The first known crime, tampering with a natural substance, occurred at a wedding. Changes to the molecular structure of water is a federal crime, unless approved by the EPA For many years this crime was not widely believed, and looking back one wonders what would have happened if he was stopped then and there. Under current law this also constitutes a violation of the wetland's law as it deals with navigable water.
In the first three years of what is commonly known as the "reign of terror" many federal and local laws were violated. One of the worst according to the American Medical Association was healing without a license. Many reported cases of healing were reported, however the AMA says that none of these are documented. One cultist is being investigated by the A.M.A and he may lose his medical license. Not much is known about this man except that his name is Luke. He has been a doctor for years although he has been accused of the practice called, "the laying on of hands." "This is alternative medicine and a menace to society," said congressman Deerskin and I will not rest until we have laws enacted against it. The congressman is running for reelection this year.
At the start of the last three years, Jesus was thought to be green friendly. He gave speeches on planting and sowing and reaping. We now know that was just a thinly veiled disguise. John Space from Mother Earth Society said that hidden in those speeches was the part about the final harvest and angels, in direct violation of federal law burning without approval from the EPA Advocating the burning of "green" is hate speech and we already have laws on the books to deal with that. We need more federal agents to enforce the laws.
The national spokesman for PETA said that the rise in the brutality to animals is a direct result of Mr. Christ's cavalier treatment and disregard for the sacredness and sanctity of all life. "We are still getting calls from people who have suffered greatly from mental anguish after the swine incident. We have set up counseling centers in every school; the scars that this butcher has caused will probably never heal." The repercussion to Jesus' followers may run into the billions of dollars. His death will not stop the court cases. The National Association of Trial Lawyers has just hit the cult with a class action suit asking for one hundred and forty six million dollars for loss of recreational value to the water. Charles Lampert, the association's spokesman said that the loss of a day at the beach while the clean up was going on can never be made up, no matter what the settlement is. It is estimated that all the people who have joined in the suit will each receive one dollar and forty five cents if the full amount is awarded. The lawyers said their costs would consume the rest of the money.
The World Green Society said that to them the worst crime was the killing of the fig tree. Ms. Elders said, "can you imagine what the world would be like if every person went around killing trees just to make a point? Rain forests are being destroyed because of this man and the example he set. Not only did he kill the tree, he then gave a speech about throwing mountains into the sea. This is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous men to walk the face of the earth." A twilight vigil with chants and incense will be held at the steps of the White House at seven p.m. on Wednesday. This is sponsored by the Mother Earth Society and the White House. "The earth is our mother and we had better start taking her seriously," is a quote the first lady gave this reporter.
The National Psychiatric Board said the things that were told to the woman at the well were particularly despicable. "What right did he have to shove his morals down this woman's throat? This is what happens when unqualified people give advice. After all, he had no idea of her past and the issues that she was dealing with," Said a unnamed spokesman for the NPB. "It is a widely held view that we are not responsible for our actions as we are just products of our environment." The unnamed spokesman also said, "we are holding him and the followers totally responsible for the damage they have done." Their lawyers are looking into the matter.
From what I have heard, I could fill volumes of papers with the stories of Jesus. Maybe he wasn't the most earth friendly man to walk the face of the earth, but he was the most compassionate to ever grace this place. I did have a personal experience with him. I was broke (hurt so bad that I don't even remember much of the encounter) and none of the people who have commented in this article could or would help. They pretty much know their solutions don't work though they keep on insisting they do. I watched each of these people go by as I lay in the street. As soon as they saw that I wasn't one of them, they crossed over to the other side of the street. This Jesus fellow didn't care that I wasn't one of his sort, he picked me up, bound my wounds, and bought and paid for my future. I look at the things that people say about him and the things that they worship and I know that they killed him for all the wrong reasons. I'm not saying he didn't need to be killed, he did. I thank God that he was willing to lay his life down for me.
I'm going over to the his grave in the morning to see what the reaction will be. Come on by if you don't have anything more important to do. The Federal Marshall has his best men posted at the grave site. Have you ever seen an angel? I wouldn't be surprised to see one or two around. I can sense a good story here, a good reporter has a nose for these things. I'll be looking for you about sunrise.
|
The Passion and Resurrection of Christ
When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Luke 22:14-20. See also Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:12-25; and John 13:3-38.
Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him." But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. Luke 23:20-24. See also Matthew 27:11-26; Mark 15:1-15; and John 18:33-19:16.
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" Luke 23:33-37. See also Matthew 27:33-44; Mark 15:25-32; and John 19:18-24.
Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. Luke 23:50-53. See also Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; and John 19:38-42.
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.
But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you." So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Matthew 28:1-10. See also Luke 24:1-12; Mark 16:1-8; and John 20:1-18.
|
Peter
author unknown
If you had been Peter, chances are you would have denied Jesus, too. Peter just couldn't understand what was happening.
If Jesus were the Son of God, Peter must have wondered, why didn't he stop the abuse and mockery Peter was witnessing in the high priest's courtyard? How could someone who was supposed to be divine put up with that?
Maybe it is just some tragic mistake, Peter may have thought. Perhaps, after all, Jesus is another sincere but misguided charismatic leader who has overwhelmed his followers with grandiose words and visions and thoughts of invincibility. And if that's the case, I'd better save my own skin while I can. "No," Peter insisted to the courtyard bystanders, "I don't know him."
Later that day, Peter watched Jesus, now brutally beaten, spiked to a cross, then jerked upright in the sun to hang, and gasp for air, and finally die. If Jesus were the Son of God, how could he die like that?
Peter was just as troubled the following Sunday when he ran to Jesus' tomb to find the body missing. The women told of angels' words that he had risen, but with his own eyes Peter had seen Jesus die. If he were a man--and he certainly died like a man--how could he return from death? Someone must have taken the body. Must have!
It is this quandary men and women have struggled with for centuries. If Jesus is God, how could he die? And if he is man, how could he rise?
The Roman soldiers guarding the tomb early that Easter morning were troubled by no such ponderings. One moment they sat mesmerized by the fire flickering in the chilly predawn hours. The next they were stunned by a brilliance of arc-light proportions, as the tomb's stone lurched aside and the radiant Jesus walked out alive!
How can God die, and how can man live? Why, for that matter, was Jesus conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin? Because Jesus is God's Son, sent to earth to lead us to our Father, to die for our sins, and to rise from the dead to show us that he is the source of everlasting life. He is the God-Man.
And what is that to me? His shameful death that Good Friday was a direct result of my sins. And his resurrection Easter morning was for me, as well. He died and lived for me. For me--and for you.
|
Pickpocketed On Easter Sunday
by Anne Lamman
Easter is a special time for Ugandan children. They dress in their best clothes and eagerly await the Easter dinner feast.
Last year during the Easter Sunday service, a girl about age 6 sat beside me. In her Sunday-best clothes she smiled up at me and scooted closer on the bench. I glanced at her and noticed the corner of a 1000 shilling note (about $1 U.S.) sticking out of her little fist. When I checked the pocket of my dress, I discovered the 1000 shilling note I had stuffed there that morning was missing. I calmly removed the bill from the girl's hand and mentioned the incident to Dorcus, a friend beside me. As she told the girl to leave I wondered if the girl was just playing with me, but Dorcus thought she intended to steal.
It was distressing -- getting pickpocketed in church of all places, and on Easter Sunday!
I thought I should contact the girl's parents. Through Dorcus I learned the girl lived apart from her mother and had no father. Born out of wedlock, tradition dictates that she cannot live with her newly married mother. Instead the girl lives with her grandmother who lost her husband to AIDS. People say this woman, who also has AIDS, has few years left.
How could I instigate punishment on this little girl who has suffered so many hardships in her short life? But she did steal and should be taught why this is wrong.
I decided to leave the situation to Dorcus and others in the community. "Let them settle it their way," I thought.
After the service Dorcus introduced me to the girl's aunt who asked me to recount the incident. She listened intently then simply replied, "I will beat her."
"Ah, couldn't you just explain to her why stealing is wrong?" I asked shyly.
"I will beat her," was her only response.
"Now what have I done?" I asked myself. This poor little girl, abandoned by her mother and father, will be beaten on Easter Sunday because of me.
I remembered stories about physical punishment and mob justice in Africa. If one is robbed, yelling "thief" often results in the formation of an angry mob who will chase the perpetrator, at times beating him or her to death. As I struggled to be an example of Christ's teachings, I related my views on non-violence and justice. I know I didn't change views on mob "justice" or child discipline in the three short years I was in Uganda. But perhaps I helped provoke thoughts about another way -- that of the risen Christ who brings renewal and hope.
Anne Lamman and her family recently returned to the United States after serving three years with Mennonite Central Committee's in Uganda. They live in Fort Collins, Colo., where they attend Ft. Collins Mennonite Fellowship.
|
2187
|
|