Never have we needed the promise of Easter more. Everything we have prayed, begged and bargained for in the past pales in comparison with the world’s current challenge. This Easter weekend reminds us to have faith for miracles and hope for resurrection. The teaching and the lessons are of course not only for one holiday. They are with us daily and needed now more than ever. The tears and pain a world away bring anger, frustration and even despair. We feel helpless and impotent even as we pray and support. Concurrent with the sadness, we also are entranced by the saving and sacrifice. Elderly grandmothers hardly able to walk themselves, take the toddler’s hand searching for safety. Women are sacrificing their husbands to the effort their comfortable lives now in rubble. Children are patting their shocked mother’s back to comfort them. Through it all, formerly uninvolved, unaware people from every country are now providing support and loving nurturing.
The cancer center is a microcosm for interacting with people at a critical time in their lives, offering faith in healing. Without hope how could we bear the fear? Confusion and threats are everywhere yet even one person can ease pain and suffering. This is redemption this Easter. In 7 short weeks the world has changed forever. We are not here to turn from and ignore those in need. We witness and the images are with us daily- more astounding than we could ever imagine.
At the heart of every heartache we try to rescue- each other, a patient, a country. Without redemption there is only evil. Redemption is the action of saving or being saved from sin, error or evil. While we demand honor and action from our leaders, we are not helpless. We will continue to work toward improving lives- one at a time until rebuilding, strength and renewal overcome terror.
The Easter message must be one of redemption and never has our own participation been so critical. The greater good and the love of mankind will never be eradicated. The light can never be extinguished. Believe that our spiritual directive will become a combined force which resurrects. When our collective voices are raised in prayer this Easter and Passover, believe they are powerful enough to redeem each other and even those a world apart.