Several news articles caught my attention this week. One talked about how experts and their models are predicting that this week we will reach the apex in reported coronavirus fatalities and that in the following weeks they will begin to decline such that we will begin to see the light at the end of this tunnel. Another proclaimed, due to our societal quarantine producing congregation-less churches, that this year’s Easter celebration will be like no other. The last predicted that our world and our lives will be forever transformed as a result of this disease.
I found the juxtaposition of these three stories to be quite profound in contrasting the anticipated deadly devastation of the corona virus with the true belief and recognition of Easter by the Christian faith.
On the one hand, the news predicts that the death this week of thousands will mark the transitional pivot to recovery and normalcy for those who survive. On the other hand, our faith proclaims that the singular death we celebrate this week of The One opened the door to the salvation and eternal life for all the world. As profound an effect as this pandemic has had on our physical, mental, and economic wellbeing, it will not transform either our lives or our world forever. Two World Wars, The Flu Pandemic of 1917-18, the Great Depression – all of these may have influenced and shaped a generation, however none have had a transformative impact on all future generations. Easter has. It’s impact is everlasting life.
Lastly, the fact that we will not congregate this Easter adorned in our finest attire displaying our prosperity and vanity and that we won’t be able to gather and feast in celebration with family and friends but will have to bear the solemnity and sorrow of being alone with our Redeemer may well make our Easter celebration like no other, but will that be such a terrible thing?
Like all of you, I find it amazing as well as startling how much our world has changed in just a few short weeks. Like the aftermath of a violent hurricane that has wreaked massive devastation, I wonder what our lives will be once the storm has passed and we emerge to witness our losses, pick up the remaining pieces and begin to build our new lives. Will our perception of what is truly important change? Will our priorities be different? If so, how? Which of our disbursed and stranded feelings and emotions will we search out and embrace as we shape and rebuild from the chaos that this scourge has reaped? I think the following fable offers all of us food for thought as to what we should embrace when we emerge from darkness into the brightness and beauty of our coming tomorrows. It’s message is the same as the timeless message of Easter:
Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time. Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island.
The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty.
Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realized it was time to leave. Alas, by this time there were no boats to spare. Love looked around with hope.
Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat. Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?”
“No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver. There is no place for you.”
A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift. Please take me with you.”
Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.”
Sorrow passed by after some time. Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.”
When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone.
Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.” Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place.
On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge. Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?”
Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.
“And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered.
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of. Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.”
“The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love. Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love. Why wait that long? Why not make love a part of your life today?”
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
May You Enjoy an AWE-full Easter Weekend filled with LOVE!
William “Bill” Bacque