Thoughts During Easter Week

Thorns or Lilies?

4.17.25

We are in the middle of Easter Week in the Christian faith. This can be a profound time of self-reflection. My self-reflection usually starts by seeing something in someone else I don’t like and then thinking THEY need to think about what Jesus would do (WWJD). Then I remember that if I have one finger pointed out at anyone else, I need to look at the three fingers pointed back at me.

There is power in asking questions… not necessarily to answer the questions, but to inquire about my emotions, feelings, and commitments. For context, I considered that over 2,000 years ago this week, there was a trial. The government offered to let one prisoner go. The chant back was “crucify Him.”

• · Where would I have been?

• · At home, sitting this one out?

• · Joining in with the crowd?

I know how this story turns out, and I know that whatever I do or do not do is not what Jesus would have done; I have been forgiven already. However, in John 19:11, He says, “Those who brought you to me have the greater sin.”

• · Where have I lied, gossiped, turned my back on others?

• · Where have I used my self-righteous attitude to justify my position?

I’ve been in communication with other Christians in the inquiry about the deportation of immigrants without verifying their status or hearing their defense. WWJD? I asked. “Jesus was not the government,” was the reply.

A Course in Miracles, Chapter 20.

Offer your brother the gift of lilies, not the crown of thorns; the gift of love and not the “gift” of fear. You stand beside your brother, thorns in one hand and lilies in the other, uncertain which to give. Join now with me and throw away the thorns, offering the lilies to replace them.