In my reflections, if a bona fide member of the academy comments that my reflection contains either an original thought or argument, I will note it in that reflection. Also, if it is brought to my attention that what I have said is also mentioned in another source, I will also note it. My intention in these reflections is to stimulate inquiry, imagination, and broadening of horizons.- JP

Note: The most recent reflection is at the top and my first is at the bottom. You can either start at the bottom of the well and swim up or start at the top and dive in, your choice. – JP

13 Hours           

Easter and The Great Fifty Days  2021

During this period I read Richard Rhor, The Wisdom Pattern and reread Robert Lanza, Biocentrism for an Easter reflection.  After a lot of reflection about this reflection, I am going to keep it short and not try to compress the last two thousand years into one hundred words.  My reflection for Easter is to not try to explain the mechanics of the event but focus on what I feel is the important “why” of Easter.  Jesus talked most about materialism and fear of death.

Materialism and fear of death occupy way too much space in our thoughts.  Jesus recognized this and was pointed in his teachings about why we should not fear death and how not to be captured by materialism.  The solution to materialism is easy, know that you are a steward and not a possessor.  Living the solution is not.  The solution to not fearing death, well, there is no “solution”, there is only living your belief.

Jesus said that we are eternal from the moment of our inception and resurrected to show us physical death is not the end of existence.  How we live eternity is the point.

Grief is ever present in that living eternity.  I feel that knot in my stomach when a person I know passes and at a series finale.  Along with the sadness is the joy I have in believing we do not cease to exist.  We will continue to meet people for the first time and there will be new series that are as fulfilling as those that concluded

Easter is not about a single event, but is, as many of my colleagues have expressed, about the unity of community.  I am convinced that God does not do it to us, God does not do it for us, God does it with us.  Easter is a “with us” experience.  I can’t make you experience Easter, I can only tell you how I experience Easter.  The choice is yours.