And exposing our ugliness turned out to be an unforgivable sin. The only thing objectionable about him was that his love shined so brightly it revealed our own hate. His message was to be generous, be brave, be self-sacrificing, and embrace risk. He lived a life of profound love: love for enemies, love for the poor, love for those who persecute you.

Think about if you were his friend, even if he came back, you’d still be real shook up. A week after “Good” Friday I am still bothered by this troubling question: Did Jesus really have to die? All is well.īut emotionally, I’m just not there. We should be happy right? It’s a happy ending to the story – Jesus came back from the grave. Things will begin to wind down, as summer break begins and people take their vacations. We breathe a collective sigh of relief that though Jesus was murdered he came back again, and he wasn’t even gone that long! Just two short days in the grave, a turnaround so quick it’s almost as if his death didn’t happen.

We’ve packed up all the flowers and tablecloths, putting them away until this time next year, when the pastor will once again lead us in a chant of “He is Risen! (He is risen indeed!)”Įaster is typically a feel-good service where the church dutifully offers nostalgia and religious holiday vibes. For churches, the busiest Sunday of the year – Easter – is now over.

Be brave motherfuckers