The Scriptures tell us that the ancient Israelites looked forward to a new beginning as their forty years in the wilderness approached its end. As they gathered along the boarders of Canaan they longed to cross into a land that had been promised to their forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, and it was finally within their reach. But what if they could not cross over into the land? What if there existed a great gulf or chasm, or an impenetrable barrier between them and this wonderful place, which could not be bridged? What if that promised land was raised high upon a huge plateau surrounded by jagged edged cliffs which could not be climbed by human beings? What if the land is real but completely beyond our reach?

The fact is we are separated from the object of our longing; it does exist and it contains the power to fulfill our deepest desires and fervent longings, but we can’t get there on our own because human sin has made entrance to it impossible.

One of the most moving parables Christ told was that of the Lost Sheep. The sheep strayed from the others; he became lost and couldn’t find his way home. The story continues with the shepherd leaving the fold and searching for the lost sheep. He found it and carried it home.

And here we have beautifully expressed the truth that we have a God who chooses to come to where we are. Instead of expecting us to find Him, He comes to us.

Taking the theme of the lost sheep a bit further, we know that it had strayed from the security of the rest of the fold and was unable to go home. Perhaps it had fallen into a ditch or an open well and could not escape. Images of being lost, being injured and being trapped are of major importance in understanding our situation as human beings. In this world we are in a dilemma. We are trapped in a situation from which we cannot escape. Any number of biblical descriptions illustrate this. The Christian tradition of biblical interpretation explains it. It is like being trapped in a sea of mud, each movement and attempt to escape causes us to sink deeper. Or in a huge pit with walls too high to climb. Like being lost in the dark and incapable of finding the way out or being seriously ill and not having access to healing medicines. It’s like being in a situation that prevents us from achieving our dreams and from which we are unable to free ourselves.

What we need is someone to deliver us. It’s of no value whatsoever being told we are trapped in a pit, we need someone strong enough to get us out. It’s not really helpful to learn that we are prisoners of the dark, we need someone to throw open the door and lead us kindly into the light. Yes, we are indeed separated from the object of our desire, but what can be done to bring us home? Who can open the gate and allow us to enter the promised land?

It is this dilemma that the Christian religion solves and proclaims it’s wonderful news. That deliverance and freedom are at hand and within the reach of every person wise enough not to ignore it. To describe Jesus as a good religious teacher is to not know Him. He is our Redeemer. The one who comes to save us. And he is the only one who can. The only one who has the power to deliver us from the dark realities of a fallen and, at times extremely foolish world, and lead them into the sheer brilliance of the light of everlasting life. He is the shepherd whom comes to bring the sheep home to where they truly belong.

This is the essence of Easter. Thus, at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father. Christ is Risen! Behold, He makes all things new. We have been delivered into the promised land.

A most blessed Easter to each and everyone.

The Rt. Rev. Rocco A. Florenza

• < Prev