Put aside all thoughts of what is going on outside, and consider only what is within. Forget politics, and religion, about how unfair life is and the lies you have been told. Put aside the futility of history, how civilizations rise and fall but the world is still in a mess.
Forget about the pride and pettiness that lead to despair in your relationships with others. Forget the blame game. Think about your place in the universe. Physically, you are a mere speck of sand in time and space – dust.
Think about your life. Have you ever lied to yourself or anyone else? Have you ever taken advantage of another? Have you ever been abused by another? Have you ever felt trapped? Have you been trapped by greed, lust, jealousy, addiction, pride, denial or stubbornness? Have you ever felt cheated in love to the point where love is just another four letter word?
Now listen, listen with your mind and heart. Listen. Just give it a little time. Do you hear it? Hmm, nothing. Try harder, open your heart. Can you recognize the pain you feel? The pain you have caused others? At this moment, when you are totally alone your inner voice may say “Dear God, what have I done? How can I make up for the wrongs I have done to myself and others?
The next voice you hear will be the voice of God answering you. The first thing God will say to you is “I love you. Open your eyes, come out of the darkness. I offer you hope, joy, love and a peace that passes all understanding.
Open your eyes and heart and believe that: Christ the Lord has risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Happy Easter…
Jim Hofmann,
Moab
