Easter

I don't normally do Easter well, and am not sure I can explain why. We are trying to remedy that. Last night, SOF and I attended an Easter service at the Episcopal church. Very nice (though I would like an explanation for the incense). As Anglican explained, last night's service is one of the oldest in the church. It was very interesting, including the first time in years that I heard the creation story read through. Listening last night, I was reminded of other creation stories.

I was also reminded of our discussion on the Old Testament God. The service also included the story of the Israelites rescued from Egypt. I understand that the purpose was to retell the story of God saving them from slavery, but the story saddens me as well, and perhaps especially since I know those stories have informed this kind of us v. them, and seems to have written Bush's foreign policy. But that reading seems so narrow and selective. Reading in the Book of Common Prayer, it is amazing how many times the call is to bring justice, seek peace, and to treat every other human being with dignity.

My own Easter experience is mixed. I remember sunrise services--including one where I rode with a couple of older boys to light the fire. I really remember being cold. I remember listening to Handel, singing in the choir, and the nice dinner after. I also remember the high school and college girls showing off their new Easter dresses. Even then that struck me as odd. This morning, while getting coffee at our local Starbucks, we were surrounded by Easter clad church goers--one family in their black Escalade. Sigh.

I remember Joseph Campbell saying that focussing on the literal truth of the stories often resulted in missing the meaning of the story. There is much richness and meaning in these stories. May we find it, and may we truly seek for peace and justice in this world.