The other day, a colleague of Gerry’s made the comment that he didn’t understand why Good Friday was called that. It seemed odd that the day that commemorates the torture and eventual assassination of the central figure of much of modern day religion would be noted as “Good”. Historically this year falls very close to that of the time of Jesus as well, in that the Passover meal was celebrated so close to Good Friday.

Both of these religious observances are touching in that they remember the “good” that has been received by all of humankind as a result of the kindness of the creator.
Many of the world’s religions recognize themselves as the one “true” religion. The one that was established by the creator to signify that they are a special people and that in order for other people to be saved then they must conform to their beliefs.

I know that I run the risk of angering many of you but there is no “chosen people”. There is no “chosen” religion. Religion is basically the method for a group of people to collectively express their joint belief in how they perceive God and to come together for the purpose of giving thanks and praise to that being. Angels have been instrumental, throughout all cultures, in bringing a basic understanding of creation and the importance of all people to the creator…who is within all of them…so that all would understand this in a way that would be consistent with their culture.

What has evolved from this however was the belief that these angelic messages were being delivered to them alone. When the original apostles spread the word of Jesus they were supposed to be carrying forth the message that all of mankind was united in god and that all were included in the creator’s love. Jesus was specifically incarnated as a Jew for the purpose of showing the “chosen people” that others were equally loved in God’s eyes. This was and still is a very hard concept for any oppressed people to understand. But it is true, for the essence of the creator is in every particle of existence.

The kindness of the creator does not “Passover” anyone. But it is delivered more easily to those who can open their hearts to the essence of the divine love that surrounds them. The “good”, of “Good Friday” is that it remembers the selfless acts of man who spoke of only two commandments that were given as the basis for a perfect life…love the creator with your whole heart and soul…which means to love yourself and to recognize the creator in you and all things and to give thanks for the wonder of that miracle…just as you do when you sense the miracle of the birth of a new baby. And second to love others in the same way as you love yourself. If you follow the first commandment then the second comes very naturally…not easily…but the knowledge of the natural progression must occur.

Jesus, the man, believed so deeply in these concepts that he would rather have given his life then to practice hate or divisiveness. Gandhi did the same and countless others who have followed this example to spread peace rather then hatred.

This Passover/Easter season I would ask you to remember these words and to contemplate that the lesson of Passover was much broader then the story. At Passover we give thanks for the “there but for God go I” concept. We recognize that somewhere out there…no matter how hard our struggle…there is someone who is going through more and who is making sacrifices that we might not ever be asked to make…and which certainly make our problems small in comparison. We thank the creator for allowing those struggles to “Passover” our home and we give thanks for the “good” in all people who place love above their personal needs and who realize that we are all one…all connected to the source of all…and that one day…when the body gives way and releases the spirit…that this spirit will be re-connected to the source at every level. This is the meaning of the “resurrection” and the reason why, no matter what the struggle, the end result will be peace, love and joy.

Our best to all in your holiday celebrations,
Have fun and love one another,

All our love,
Margaret