Easter Story

In my contemplation, I mused 'what can I write about Easter that has not been written?' But again I say to myself it is not about what has or has not been written- but what meaning can I make out of the Easter story- what is my own story of this holy weekend- a commemorative weekend
that significantly alters human history evolving into what we now call a redemptive story. I weave my story around three biblical sites: Galilee, Gethsemane and Golgotha.

It was in Galilee that the redemptive journey started-the nativity, naivete and nobility of a rustic but rare country boy who would become the Savior of mankind. His Galilean roots resonate the nature and nurture of his mission- his humility, his simplicity, his unassuming but reassuring mien makes him the  fitting protagonist of the redemptive story. It was from his humble beginnings and with his homely virtues that he set out on a short but significant journey that shook the very foundation of the world. The world did not see him coming-neither could it withstand or withhold the impact and influence of this Galilean 'rover' who became the light of men and the hope of the world. For, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.''

At the Gethsemane we are presented with the climax of the redemptive story-our protagonist- the man of Galilee- who touched lives, healed the sick, fed the hungry and raised the dead- being overwhelmed by the throes of betrayal and the pangs of death that would unleash the unspeakable finality that will end his journey. For so it seems, as he roiled in the reeking reality of the sore sacrifice that his mission demanded of him. But it was at Gethsemane he consolidated his mission-giving himself wholly over to the will of the one that sent him and goading and guaranteeing the future of his followers in the place of agonizing prayers and intercession. Gethsemane was the brink of the hour that charted the path of glory and victory for the hero of the redemptive story.

And now we get to Golgotha where it all ends or so it seems. The place of the passion.
Come with me, if you dare; experience with all your senses the travail, the torture of trial, scourge and crucifixion. Listen to the rabble scream and curse, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" Cringe with every lash, count them up to 39; 39 heavy, searing lashes-raw, bleeding skin. Feel the thrust of thorns, piercing
splinters, pushed down, gouged in, twisted on his brow. Taste the blood and salty sweat mixed with slimy spit. Lift the massive cross ; if you can. Try to drag it through the crowd, that mad, jeering, taunting, hate-mongering mob. Try to bear its crushing weight . Strain with every weakening fall and all the while endure the scorching thirst.

Feel the spike nails driven through his wrists and legs to the jarring plunge of cross set upright deep in earth. Stare at his body hanging there limp and lifeless blood and water gushing out of his pierced sides. Gaze on His face, if you dare; God's only Son who knew no sin became sin that we might be called the righteousness of God. In his death lies his victory and ours too. For death has lost its power and the grave its sting. The world never knew the story will take this turn for had they known, the
would not have crucified the Lord of glory. The story continues...

Serenading Messi

I think those serenading Lionel Messi are too much in a hurry to make him a legend while he is going through the drill. I think it is far-out to rate the young rising star over maverick Maradona, not to talk of an institution like Pele. I perceive that most of Messi's unsolicited praise singers were still not formed in their mothers' wombs when Pele soared and shined, and were probably still on their fours when Maradona bestrode the world of soccer like a colossus. And for the older ones singing this over-bloated tune: memory seem to be failing them as senility may have started setting in. For veterans like Rudolf Völler who have chosen the immodest path of denial, lacking the ability to admit that they were dwarfed by the feats of these two great soccer legends- they seek to soothe their livid wounds by engaging in the folly of flattery in an attempt to undo what cannot be undone. Messi is a good player no doubt and with very promising prospects. While this is true- we must not also deny the role of serendipity in the latest stunt that gave jobs to our 'raving rabble-rousers'. I'm glad Messi is a humble man and if unlike his flatterers he keeps his head cool and avail himself of the priming of process- he will surely be counted among the soccer legends of time and history. But for now the fledgling Argentine star must be given the time and opportunity to earn his own imprints in the annals of legends.