Easter is over. One of my most enjoyable. A great feeling of unity and love at our Easter Church Service. So…we go forward into 2026. The times are wonderful…the times are terrible. We watch for the danger around the corner. Hateful words from leaders…cursing and gutter talk… stay with the recipients of the verbal abuse. Once we understood hate…now we normalize it. Once we shunned cruelty…now we embrace it. Faith… religion… is used as a disguise for evil. We understood that Jesus loves… races… religions… all people… he died for the Human Family.

The Old Man reveled in the acceptance of the musicians in the French Quarter. We have been the blind leading the blind…now our eyes are open. The African American nurse taking my blood this morning buttoned my sleeve when the test was concluded. She saw me as an Old Man and helped me. Love is expressed in many ways.

Open our eyes… Let us see God’s love in all manner of people. None of us has cornered the market on Faith. We are students of life…our friends can not tell us…leaders can not con us out of Jesus Message of Easter…light and hope have come to the whole world without exception.

How time flies. The year is fast. The insidious nature of time is wrapped in the belief that we have all the time we need. Nothing could be further from the truth. A stopwatch governs our mission. Not what real estate adventure have we made better…what person or people have we made better…secure…seen…heard…understood. Have we raged against the night? Have we sought the approval of the Hollow Man as a surrogate for Faith?

‘Listen to me and be saved,’ the Hollow Man said. ‘I alone have the answer to your problems,’ the Hollow Man continued. ‘Follow me, and I will give you a lot of fish and big skillets to fry them in,’ the Hollow Man proclaimed. ‘I met Jesus…a carpenter…not too much money…a bit overrated,’ Hollow Man observed. ‘To the victor belong the spoils,’ Hollow Man continued. ‘You should look to me at Easter…I am bringing you wealth…prosperity…security,’ Hollow Man said with passion as he danced on one foot and then the other. ‘I am the second coming…enough said,’ Hollow Man said with a wink.

The NCAA final game is on tonight. Baseball Season is in full bloom. Soon will be Mother’s Day. Soon will be Father’s Day. Easter has come…now we can wear white shoes. Nothing changes…everything changes. Many cry out in pain…we can not hear them over our sound systems…many ask for a cool drink of water…we are afraid to allow the thirsty to our ice makers.

As I sat at Easter Lunch today, I watched the beautiful people around me. We humans, come in many intricate costumes of life. Our joy and suffering we wear with pride on our faces. Walking up to the Turn, a friendly young man asked if MJ and I would like a ride to the front door. I wondered why…Then I knew. We had that special look… that scent of life… young eyes… white hair… hopeful resilience. Church was inspiring, uplifting… a swelling of tears. A gentleman was there who had been quite ill…he looked beatific this morning. ‘Were you there when they crucified my Lord…were you there when they nailed him to the cross…sometime it causes me to tremble…tremble…tremble.’

As we drove by the Catholic Church, folks were hiding Easter Eggs. We have read the Book. The promises are lovely…the Story is an edge-of-your-seat thriller…Mary did not recognize Jesus when she saw him at the tomb…how many times have we not recognized him?

‘Everyone hide your eyes…the Eggs are almost hidden…soon we will discover the prize,’ Peter Rabbit said. ‘The Desire of the Ages…the King of Kings…walking with us…dinner with us…laughing with us,’ Peter Rabbit continued. ‘We the forgotten…we raise our hand, but no one calls on us…We stood in line, but no one hired us…We lived and died unknown and unwanted…until the Teacher came on the scene,’ Peter R proclaimed. ‘He saw us…he recognized our value…he wanted us on his team…we were there when they crucified our Lord,’ PR said.

‘He passed among us…We did not see him…He spoke to us…We did not hear him…he saw us…We then…saw him,’ Mary M said. ‘His eyes were sad and full of compassion…he understood the frustration of the forgotten,’ Mary M noted. ‘Many looked away when they saw us…he looked at us…into our souls…into our hearts…He saw us…He was one of us…He knew us…We knew him,’ Mary M said softly.

‘I saw him in the street in front of Joseph’s Carpentery shop,’ Peter said. ‘He was the Teacher…yet changed,’ Peter said. ‘When he looked at me, I knew it was him…he smiled his familiar smile,’ Peter mused. ‘He told me that we would meet that night…to bring Thomas…we would talk of new things…we would plan for the wait before the end of the Story,’ Peter said softly.

‘I think we have all of the Easter Eggs colored,’ Jane said. ‘I love the pastel shades…it is time to hide them from the kids,’ Jane laughed. ‘This Easter, the child who finds the most will get to meet Peter Rabbit,’ Jane explained. ‘Peter is going to join us in the Hunt,’ Jane continued. ‘He is bringing a flock of butterflies to release when the winner is announced,’ Jane laughed. ‘Peter told me that the Hunt will reveal a surprise for all of the Hunters,’ Jane winked. ‘Peter R. is a wise old Rabbit…he has dabbled in politics…he knows the President, Jane noted. ‘Easter will bring a great change… chaos will subside…there is a newness in the air…hope…peace,’ Jane reflected. ‘Peter R told me of traveling the world since last Easter…we are heading towards the promise…it is always darkest before the dawn,’ Jane said softly. ‘Peter R told me to watch the sky…look for the rainbow…focus on the Carpenter returned from the tomb,’ Jane whispered.

‘You are a natty dresser,’ Chet told Peter Rabbit. ‘I have read of your exploits…your work for peace…your focus on the forgotten,’ Chet continued. ‘I read your stories when I was a lad…not long ago…I am intrigued by your political work…you counsel Presidents…you are a bright light in a dark world,’ Chet proclaimed. ‘What does the release of the butterflies mean…are we reborn…are we made new by the Easter Experience?’ Chet asked.

‘Tomorrow we stand against the darkness…we stand against the Wilderness…we stand for hope,’ Peter Rabbit said with conviction. ‘Presidents and kings do not know their subjects…their promises are hollow…the children understand…the kids know,’ Peter Rabbit continued. ‘Our lives were meant to be lived in harmony and peace…we are made to possess the wide-eyed wonder of youth till we die…the butterflies understand this…the wonder and mystery of the Tomb understands this…we are made for greatness,’ Peter Rabbit noted with aplomb. ‘A surprise is coming…we have waited so long… our ancestors died without obtaining the Promise…the light is rising above the hill of Golgotha…a beat before the revealing,’ Peter Rabbit said.

‘The Hope Train is rattling down the tracks…it has been coming for a long time… no more dying… no more suffering… no more death,’ the Carpenter said. ‘I have returned to the House of My Father…now the mission begins…now the great Passion Play commences…I accepted my mission…” Now I have returned for my friends,’ the Carpenter said with a smile.

‘The winner is the little girl in the wheelchair…come forward and receive your prize…your proficiency at finding the hidden Easter Eggs is amazing,’ Peter Rabbit said. ‘You live in politically untenable times…you live in a climate of fear for many people…yet you are unafraid,’ Peter Rabbit observed. ‘I have seen you in the audiences the President has spoken to,’ Peter Rabbit said. ‘Your face showed like an angel…you were neither afraid nor supplicant…you were seeking truth…you remind me of Mary M, who worked with the Carpenter,’ Peter Rabbit explained. ‘You have been there…I saw you…you remember the old ways…the old truths,’ PR noted with satisfaction.

‘I stood at the foot of the cross when Jesus died for us…he was my mentor…he was my friend…we spoke of many things for many hours…he feared what he was asked to endure…he hoped God would find another way…Jesus loved living…wine and song…friends and laughing…working in his Dad’s Carpenter shop…friendly greetings in the community,’ Mary M said. ‘He was gregarious…he was an introvert…he sought people…he sought alone time…he loved animals, and they loved him…he was a man of the people…he was a loner,’ Mary M continued.

‘Did you see that dark cloud that came from nowhere?’ Chet asked? One minute it was sunny, the next it was night,’ Chet continued. ‘I love the movie The Ten Commandments,’ Chet observed. ‘I am going to get a staff like Moses…he looks so cool with it…showing Pharaoh who God is with,’ Chet said. ‘The scene in the film where the Red Sea parts…gives me chills,’ Chet proclaimed with a grin. ‘I always look forward to the Good Friday Movie at the Orpheum Theatre,’ Chet noted.

‘The path was cruel,’ Mary M noted. ‘He could not see where he was going…the cruel thorns…the Cross heavier than him…the catcalls and curses of the crowd…less than a week ago it had been so different,’ Mary M said softly. ‘He would not have arisen from the weight if it had not been for the kindness of the Ethiopian Man,’ Mary M explained. ‘Give us Barabbas…the angry throng cried loudly,’ Mary M said with tears in her eyes.

‘Never a man spoke as this Man,’ the Roman Centurian said.

‘Remember us when you come into your Kingdom,’ the Thief said.

‘Today you shall be with me in Paradise,’ the King said.

‘Look at the sky…I have not seen such a sky…it is black with streaks of blood red…the Veil of the Temple is rent in twain…I see sad eyes looking down from Heaven…the lambs cry…the camels weep…the Oxen bow their heads in prayer,’ Mary said. ‘Pilate hides…the Priests and Rabbis seek protection…there is none from the terrible sky,’ Mary mused.

‘He just jumped off the cliff…he was more despondent than any man I have seen,’ the Guard said.

‘It is finished,’ the King said.

The evening was cool with a gentle breeze. Spirits were high after the Palm Sunday Celebration. Tonight was Supper with the Teacher…news of the future…news of the Kingdom. No longer would they be the people following the cart…soon they would be driving the cart. No longer the unseen…the unheard…those whom the elite looked down their noses at. Could it be that the Teacher had chosen high offices for each of them? Soon, they would be telling Pilate to vacate his seat of authority. In the Synagogue, they would occupy the high chairs of authority…men learned in the Talmud and Torah. Soon, they would say who stays and who goes… right the wrong done to their people… settle old scores.

‘Come in, the Supper is prepared,’ Martha said. ‘Mary has been reading the scripture while I prepared the meal,’ Martha continued. ‘Judas told me that there would be a great announcement tonight,’ Mary noted. ‘There are many gathered outside to hear what the Teacher has said during the Supper,’ Martha explained.

‘He who dips his hand with me in the dish will betray me,’ the Teacher said. ‘Unloose your sandals…I am going to wash your feet,’ the Teacher said. ‘You will feel like the world has ended…it will be dark…the Veil will be rent…this is the beginning…not the end,’ the Teacher continued. ‘I will go away,’ the Teacher whispered. ‘I will return…tell everyone what is going to happen,’ the Teacher said.

‘Reveal your Kingdom…tonight,’ Judas said. ‘We have waited so long…everyone is ready…we are ready to fight for your Words…you are our Messiah,’ Judas continued. ‘I have stood by your side…I will not forsake you…no matter what the price,’ Judas smiled and hugged the Teacher.

‘What is this sadness about you, my Rabbi?’ Peter asked. ‘We have laughed, and we have cried…you know I will never deny you,’ Peter promised. ‘Our work is just beginning…we have much to do…the days are short,’ Peter offered. ‘Tonight you appear to have the weight of the world on your shoulders,’ Peter said. ‘Who shall make us afraid…you are the King…as proclaimed by the people of Jerusalem with the palms and hosannas,’ Peter remembered. ‘They will die for you,’ Peter said as he patted the Teacher on the back. ‘No heart is fickel when it comes to their allegiance to you,’ Peter offered with a laugh. ‘I will be the first in the battle…they can have my life…I give it up gladly to fulfill your Kingdom,’ Peter proclaimed.

‘He who I kiss…hold him fast,’ Judas said.

It is easy to get lost in the Woods. All directions look the same. The tall trees make a canopy overhead. So it goes with our lives. Each path seems to lead to the same place. Alone time is helpful…time to get in touch with our conscience. Is our conscience contained in our body, or is there a universal consciousness and we are its radio transmitters? How little of our consciousness leaks through to our task-oriented… results-producing brain. We like to think we are our own woman… we are our own man… yet our thoughts are taken up with another’s words and plans. How much of life do we really see?

What is faith…what is our spiritual journey? How do we serve our faith…our sense of place…our hunger for meaning in the wilderness?

‘He told me that he was tempted in the Garden,’ Mary M said. ‘The Teacher said that it took many days and nights to work out the deception delivered as logical thought,’ Mary M continued. ‘The Tempter was beautiful and easy to be with…a creature of some warmth…some hope…a seemingly settled individual speaking truth,’ Mary M said quietly. ‘His promise was easy on the ears… comforting… no pain involved,’ Mary M said. ‘The Teacher noted that he understood what was happening to him in his alone time…the quiet of the Garden…the Spirit,’ Mary M continued. ‘Now he is prepared for the mission…he is ready to fulfill the promise…he knows what he must suffer and do,’ Mary M whispered.

‘There will be a great supper tomorrow night,’ Judas said. ‘The Teacher will sup with us and tell us of his plans for the future,’ Judas continued. ‘I believe he will be revealed as the Son of God at the Supper,’ Judas noted with aplomb. ‘I have faithfully followed him…I love him…it is time for him to become King,’ Judas offered. ‘I often wonder if he understands me,’ Judas mused. ‘I am included in all matters of his work, and yet he seems not to see me,’ Judas said quietly. ‘I could not believe the time he spent in the Garden…while we waited to begin the work of the Kingdom,’ Judas offered. ‘The Teacher’s pace of movement seems incremental to me…a bit slow for the mission,’ Judas noted with a wry smile.

‘We need a guide in these thick Woods,’ the Old Man said. ‘We need someone with a compass,’ the Old Man continued. ‘I hear the rustling of waters and see the doves flying overhead,’ OM observed. ‘I am going in the direction of the doves and the water sounds,’ the Old Man continued. ‘The Preacher is here in the Wilderness…he is waiting for us to find him,’ the Old Man continued. ‘The Preacher will assist us in finding our way out of the Wilderness…his mind is settled…he understands his mission…he loves the poor and hungry,’ the Old Man observed. ‘Maundy Thursday is tomorrow…we remember the Last Supper…the Crucifixion…the death of our Lord…his Resurrection,’ OM promised. ‘He was a Man…he was God…what a unique combination…what a calling…what a Messiah,’ the Old Man said softly.

Windy the last day of March. Going out like a lion. Hold on to your hat. A lot of pastel colors. Chocolate Easter Eggs are delicious. New clothes for Sunday. We must look our best. Easter is special. The Church Pews will rejoice with their new company. The Preacher has prepared. The Choir is in good voice. Sunrise Service is fun…especially the doughnuts. Restaurants will be full. Then the Hunt.

‘Could I have your attention?’ Fred Frog said. ‘Remember this is for Easter and we want it to be good,’ Fred continued. ‘This is our first performance of the spring season…we will sing knowing that He is watching,’ Fred F noted. ‘I have heard that the Mole Family Singers will be performing…this will be a first for them…we will show them how it is done on Easter,’ Fred extolled. ‘Remember when the Carpenter built our stage last year?’ Fred Frog asked. ‘He was so kind and full of stories and fun,’ Fred F recalled. ‘He did not see a stranger…we all felt welcome and at home,’ Fred laughed. ‘He had dinner at my house and played with the kids and helped clean up the dishes,’ Fred winked. ‘The Carpenter was a hit with the missus…he even sang with us…his harmony was perfect…like the sound of many rushing waters and of doves gathered together,’ Fred F said quietly. ‘He asked me if we would sing…on Easter…for joy and for peace,’ Fred Frog said with a tear in his eye.

‘We will sing for our Friend,’ Maury Mole said. ‘He made us feel important…like we were somebody…we felt seen…we felt heard…we felt at Home,’ Maury M. explained. ‘He helped me fix my roof…he is an adept Carpenter,’ Maury noted. ‘He enjoys a glass of wine in the evening…and figs…then he tells the most interesting stories…stories of hope and Heaven…stories of peace and home…stories of love and forgiveness…stories of putting your neighbor before yourself…I laughed when he advised to turn the other cheek…I asked him what happens when I run out of cheeks,’ Maury Mole said.