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End of Millennium Celebration with the words on the cross:
"Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani"

He said, during the Last Supper, ' I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me- one who is eating with me. The son of man will go just as it is written about him." (Mark14: 21) "Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani" Jesus cried out at the ninth hour, which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" As he gave up his spirit, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, earth shook and the rocks split. (Matt 27: 46,51) "Don't be alarmed" a young man in white robe told the three women who took spices to the tomb on the third day very early in the morning, " You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! (Mark16: 6) This is the story of the agony in Gethsemane on Good Friday and the ecstasy that followed with the resurrection of Jesus, the only Son of God. One could argue the logic behind calling it 'Good Friday' when it's the day when Jesus was crucified; His death brought forgiveness for us and therefore that is good news for us.

Over the centuries, Christianity has portrayed Judas as the betrayer, who took the thirty pieces of silver from the high priests and as a traitor with qualities such as greed, hypocrisy and unfaithfulness. The name Judas represents evil in the Christian history; German law even forbids parents to give a child the name Judas, for the good of the child! One should remember here that it was Jesus who called Judas to be one of his disciples; according to the four Gospels, Judas was a disciple of Jesus, one of the twelve, one 'who handed over Jesus' and the treasurer of the group. Jesus is clearly depicted as one who is in control of his destiny and nothing in the world can take away that spiritual aura and confidence. It is affirmed very conclusively that 'the handing over was according to the scriptures', an act of God and therefore should the person who carries out the will of God be ridiculed, slighted or demonised? Jesus told Judas, "what you are about to do, do quickly." As soon as Judas went, Jesus said "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him." (John13: 27, 31) Jesus added, "But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way." When Judas found that his Master was condemned, he was overcome with remorse and tried to return the money. As the priests refused to accept it, Judas threw the thirty pieces of silver and hanged himself. One could argue here that Judas truly believed that his Master was too powerful to be captured by the high priests and therefore he was heart broken at what happened; it was God's will that the Scriptures be fulfilled.

We all celebrated the Millennium preparing a long time for the big occasion; but do we know why we had the celebration? Jesus of Nazareth was born 2000 years ago; He came to die for the people, to bridge the gap between mankind and God. Jesus said, " Man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt4: 4) Over the centuries Christians have used Lent as an opportunity to improve their physical, mental and spiritual health. Though Christians vary in their attitude towards fasting, most will agree that Lent is a good time for some positive thinking and perhaps viewing it as an alternate therapy or as 'spiritual anti toxins, if that makes one, ' in with the modern youth'! One need not be very religious to give up something for Lent; giving up smoking, drinking and a conscious effort to treat other fellow beings with kindness would only be a boost to anyone's well being.

Christianity accepts Jesus as, the only Son of God and it is important to remember that other religions accept Jesus in other versions. Muslims regard Jesus as a prophet and messenger of Allah, many Jews find him a teacher, Hindus respect him as someone who reached the highest level of consciousness and the Buddhists regard him as a figure of compassion. " This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations." (Luke24: 45-47) One hopes that we learn to have tolerance and understanding of other religions, enabling us to live harmoniously, without having to resort to violence to settle our different views and opinions.

"HAPPY EASTER TO ALL"

© E Menon 2000