Saturday, April 3, 2010

Through the eyes of a Child!

It is resurrection Sunday, The day we commemorate not only the Passion of the Christ, but the Hope we have in His Resurrection from amongst the dead. This has long been a favorite Holy-day of mine, not just because on occasion it has landed on my birthday (4/11), but because it was during this time, when I was all but 11 years old, that I came to have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.


Whilst, I grew up in the church, and heard the stories of Jesus and the prophets of old all my life, it was during a practice for the Easter Play, while seeing the kids act out the scenes, and learning the words to the Via Dolorosa, that it all made sense and hit me like a ton of bricks. I cried, and asked Jesus to live in my heart.

I was reminded of this when this past Good Friday I observed Brian watched the Easter Play. Brian, is all but three (3) years old, and is at that oh so curious age, he has questions about everything, this time was no different. During the play, he sat on Priscy's lap and paid attention ever so closely too all that was being portrayed as he listened to his Titi Priscy, explain to him what was occuring. He wanted to know why the soldiers came for Jesus, why did they beat Him, and why no one stopped them? His eyes widened as the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, and mocked Him. I wondered, is this too much for him? Does he or can he even understand all of this?

We could not turn his eyes from the scenes. He stared intently even when he gasped and covered his mouth in disbelief that the very Jesus that, he, Brian, had heard of in all of his 3 years of existence, the one that right before his eyes on stage grew from a baby to a man, died on the cross at Calvary. With tears at the brink of flowing forth, Brian received a warm embrace from Titi Priscy who told him lovingly, "Jesus died so we could live." At that moment he looked at Carmen, and with his eyes still teary, wanting to know if what his titi said was true asked her "Why did He die, Mami, why?" and she took hold of him, and explained in words that a child would understand and receive, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly! He died for you and me and alas, do not fret, for in a few short days, Jesus Christ would Resurrect! And at ease Brian was indeed.

See, it is through that resurrection power, that we are given hope of a life eternal with Him! I am grateful to know my Jesus! Yes, He is MY Jesus! I take hold of all that He is to me, my Prince of Peace, my Strength and Refuge, My Joy and the very Lover of my Soul. I rejoice in knowing that He cares for me, and thinks of me, and loves me unlike any other ever has or will. At times, more often than not, we must be reminded of the simplicity of the Gospel and be re-introduced to it as a child, as Brian was just a few days ago. So that we too, in wonderment maybe taken aback, to then be made anew!

Happy Resurrection Sunday! May you take a moment today or even throughout this week, and see the Lord's sacrifice and offering of hope, through the eyes of a child!

Be Blessed,
Minda