Monday, April 21, 2014

Easter Sunday Service

On Easter Sunday we were treated to the Missa Gaia. which we didn't realize was not only based on the structure of the Catholic Mass, but contained parts of it.  When we came to the Beatitudes I almost lost it.  Part of the Sermon on the Mount, they proclaim that the meek, the poor, those in mourning, the hungry and thirsty, the merciful the peacemakers, the pure of heart, and the persecuted all suffer in this life but will find their rewards in heaven... and... yeah... I have a problem with that. While it's true that we all suffer to some extent in this life, the only reward after death is death itself, as in no longer being a participant in this world.  If you think that's a reward then I feel sorry for you, and you need to work to improve your lot right now and right here.  There is no other way.

Last week there was an article in the WaPost about five myths of Easter.  It closed with "Choose not to believe in the Resurrection, and Jesus is just another prophet. Believe in the Resurrection, and your whole life changes".  And yes, that's true.  Once you choose to believe in the Ressurection, you have to believe in a whole parcel of other stuff that comes along with it, otherwise the Ressurection is impossible and doesn't make any sense.  Much of what you have to believe in support of the Ressurection is just horrible stuff, most of which is either just not true, or not applicable in today's modern world.

So let me counter that.  If you choose NOT to believe in ressurections your whole life changes for the better, because things finally make sense.  Reject heaven and god, all things become clear and you are able to live in the here and now, which is where it all takes place.