And my usual Easter musings
Sometimes I am given to quoting the more intellectual and analytical views and points made by other more learned local writers who qualify themselves for much more profundity than that of which I am capable. On this Christian day of reflection – to be succeeded by prophetic hope – I use something I read in this past Sunday Stabroek.
There is this former prolific letter-writer-turned-new-Sunday columnist, GHK Lall. Obviously gifted with both the vocabulary and love of the English language, Mr Lall writes for those also gifted with the ability to appreciate fine language. (A deteriorating small portion of our people!) But I’m a fan. Even as he seems to be among the local thinkers who have succumbed to the futility of our future, based on the evil authority passing for our governance these days and his harsh assessment of what passes for leadership as well. (Is it still true? That nothing lasts forever?)
All of the foregoing is to introduce thoughts Lall quoted from Mahatma Gandhi’s Tomb: “Politics without principle,” “wealth without work.” I feel constrained to comment on the latter quote: “Wealth without work”. Especially if work’s definitions still include meanings like “expenditure of energy; appreciation of effort to some productive purpose; a task, mental or physical activity towards some objective.” But after defining “work”, one must assume that the effort or job is lawful, morally acceptable and desirable by society. For that is where crooks can attempt to contradict Gandhi. They can argue that their schemes, risks, violence, murder, thievery and corruption are all their “work.” That’s what bandits of all levels and persuasion do to earn. Yes, the worst junkie and conman considers his evil as work too!
Hence the crooks of any society will tell the Mahatma that their wealth came to them as a result of their hard, clever, risky (illegal) “work”. Today’s immorality also blurs the old-fashioned lines between right and wrong. Even the young tend to reject the past generation adage “Honesty is the best policy.” After all look at the rich dishonest successful persons at all levels of society! Guyana’s wealth these days is underground, dry-cleaned, laundered riches from the spoils of the worst “work.” Poor Gandhi.
Many musings for Easter
My upbringing demands that I respect Christian folks’ beliefs on this day and during this “holy” period.
I’ve never come to terms with the Mysteries of the Christian faith in which I nearly become immersed. Even when I am cautioned not to take literally certain described events in the Bible’s Gospels and numerous other sections, I still cannot fathom many concepts of Christianity’s theologies. No wonder I escaped being an active Christian.
But this I accept ”there is an omnipotent, (mysterious still to me) creator out there – in some form – scientific, religious/spiritual – or both – who(?) weaves a universal wand of guidance, fear and love over us. It’s just that different segments of the world’s people choose to believe in varied explanations and teachings from various messengers and recorders. What? I’ve over-simplified religious beliefs? I don’t think so.
So, just for the provocation of and reflection by Christians this week-end, I reproduce excerpts of my years-long offerings at Easter-time.
On “faith” – In December 1999 an upset Father Keith Hardless informed me that “faith is a gift from God…just to believe is to have faith…for those who have received it and believe, it is a source of strength and fulfillment…” Well, when I deferred from debating belief as the source of faith, I turned to the Bible and there it was! Another definition, in beautiful poetry, but still not enough for a partial believer. “Faith”, as St Paul explained, “is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.”
(Help me Christian teachers, I never even attended high school.) On my skepticism 16 years ago, A Lloyd Davidson chided me when he wrote that “his professed skepticism gives one the impression that only Divine Intervention could make him believe if one believes in God as Divine Providence, the ethnicity of Jesus becomes irrelevant…God works in mysterious ways, Mr Fenty.” I certainly concur with the latter. I suspect that sometime soon my enlightenment might be born of the revelation which will come with the acceptance of myths and the new-found belief that miracles are possible, even without explanation.
On the vital acceptance
of two events:-
One-time Dean Reverend Derek Goodrich explained: “the resurrection is well vouched for on historical grounds, it is verifiable,” based on physical evidence and the fact that both Roman and Jewish authorities could find Jesus’ missing body before or after Ascension. Admonished Reverend Goodrich: “If Christ was not raised then our Gospel is null and void – and so is your faith!”
So I end with the views of veteran attorney and enlightened believer Mr Leon Rockliffe: “Christians should rejoice and be glad on the Good Friday for prophecy was being fulfilled 2010 years ago.” A promise was being kept (John 3:16) so both the crucifixion and resurrection are reason to celebrate! Away mournful dirges, blacks, whites and purples, only.
So reflect my Christian friends, as I spare you this year my understanding of Thomas’ – called Didymus – doubts. Peace!
Ponder…
1) “There is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood!??”
2) Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica) had advertised for hundreds of items to be supplied. How can one follow the (transparent) process?
3) When children fly kites in dangerous areas, who is to be blamed? When? Parents or children?
4) The Guyana Cook-Up TV show resumes tomorrow!
`Til next week!
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