We Can In Fact be Happy
The Easter story proclaims the astounding truth that Jesus breaks through the death barrier rising to eternal, dynamic, abundant life—not only for himself—but for all of the daughters and sons of Adam who are receptive to the compassionate love of our Creator/Redeemer God. Instead of living with clenched fists in fear, anxiety, and restlessness, we can open our hands wide to receive Abba's love. Then life flows. In short, we are freed to be happy. Yes, even in our perilous days. In spite of all the world’s pain and tribulation we can live above the human overcast because of the smile of God’s grace.
Ronald Rolheiser underscores this fundamental truth writing,
The most incredible and challenging of all Christ’s teachings is that we can in fact be happy, that we can celebrate and enjoy life, even though we and the world we live in are far from perfect.
Yet, he plaintively rues, “Mostly we do not believe this.” Alas, we often prefer the baggage of ‘more and more’ physical, mental and emotional stuff to the freedom from the One who breaks through the bondage of death. May we free ourselves this week and move into the timeless abode of Abba’s mercy and everlasting kindness.