Hunting for Easter
All colors of bunnies, lots of chocolates, eggs and baskets-should I go on an Easter egg hunt or to church? I asked several people and got different answers.
Some said, “don't go to church because people assume you must and there's all those rules and hypocrites and you get judged and you don't get help or useful teaching or even awesome music.” Some said, they go because “it's a family of believers praying together, it helps the community, it's a small gesture of worship and thanks for all that Jesus did for us.”
Easter [called Pasch in non-English countries] was the most important day in the calendar since 33AD. I remember when men used to wear their best suit and tie, looking so handsome and distinguished. Women wore lovely Spring dresses with matching shoes, gloves and all sorts of hats. Baskets of food would be blessed with lamb shaped butter, eggs designed with wax pencils, colored by onion skins, homemade bread and sausage, and a pound cake lamb. The whole family, from grandparents to newborns, would get together for a great meal while talking, joking and looking forward to longer days full of light and life. Guess I'll check out some churches to see what the pastors say.
The First Baptist Church is a large complex overlooking the park with ducks, pigeons, a few irritable geese and a skinny elk. Pastor Carlos Tapia kindly told me that Easter, the Resurrection of Jesus, is an important part of the Good News. His death reconciled us to God through the removal of our sins. And His defeat of death was witnessed by the apostles and 500 brothers. [lCor 15:3-8]. And He assured those who believe in Him that they will never die [Jnll: 25-27]. During our life long development of a personal relationship with Jesus we meet together, encouraging each other to love and good works [He 10:24-25].
Next, a visit to St. Teresa's Church, built in the Spanish style, not far from the stone Community Center basically built by the hands of so many people in the area. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places in Cibola County. Pastor Matt Keller said that even on the basis of natural law, if there is a God, we have an obligation to worship our Creator. The Resurrection is a real historic event based on Jewish and Roman accounts and the testimony of eyewitnesses, unto death. Because Jesus arose on Sunday, that is the day of the week that has been set aside to rest and pray for over 2000 years. Assembling in a church building, instead of outdoors, provides a convenient place to follow the instruction to teach and baptize as well as being provided with grace to develop a closer union with Christ who is our Way, Truth and Life.
This trip's lesson: It wouldn't kill us to drop by our Father's house and tell Him how we're doing. Maybe it will feel good to be in a place that's safe, where we are loved, regardless of how scruffy we are.