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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | MARCH 29, 2020
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Passover and Easter both teach us about God BY RABBI DR. IRWIN WIENER Guest Writer
A common thread consisting of experiences of the past and those yet to be connects part of the equation dealing with the ability to glean from life’s experiences the understanding of fulfillment and completion. This is the beginning of renewing that which we have so that it has more relevance. Each generation recreates its own version of repetition so that the meaning brings new excitement and application. We are now entering a period that illustrates this more clearly and distinctly. The first is Passover. It is an event in history that gives us the ultimate expression of how steadfastness and faith can lead to redemption. However, it also teaches us that liberation can only be achieved when we are willing to take that first leap of faith
through our own ability to collaborate with God in restoring our dignity. Interpretations of Biblical writings teach that when Moses raises his hands to part the Sea, it was not until the first person took the first step into the water was the miracle actually achieved. Faith in ourselves is a primary ingredient in fulfilling the mission of independence and release. It is not enough to sit back and expect God to be the messenger and doer in our final renewal, but rather the combination of the two completes the process. The Exodus reaches a thunderous climax at Mt. Sinai and it is there that we begin to understand the partnership. Moses makes one request of God. Through all that has been accomplished and yet to be realized, Moses wants to be able to see the God that brought about these wonders, from deliverance to revelation. Moses, above all, has had the most intimate relationship with God that any human has experienced. Still, to him, it
was not enough. Moses wants more-to see, to touch, to feel. In the final analysis, God says that this is not possible and yet God offers an alternative. Moses can witness God passing him, feel his nearness. All of us can experience God’s nearness and the difference God makes in our lives. This alone is an achievement because it helps us realize that we can only attempt to reach for the unreachable, but we should never stop trying. The second is Easter. To me, it too is an event in history that gives us a clear insight into the ultimate expression of faith. Easter is a story of redemption and renewal as illustrated by the sacrifice of one individual in search of absolution for all. Who can comprehend, whether in writings or depictions, the agony of defeat culminating with the glory of fulfillment? As a non-Christian, but one who has learned from the followers of Jesus through study and interfaith experiences, I can understand fully the desire for
all people to receive the blessings and forgiveness of God. The sacrifice witnessed was one enshrined in love for humanity. We find this throughout history. This, however, was a different kind of sacrifice. It was a sacrifice for the whole by the one. It was to be an example of unadulterated faith in the universality of God and the love God has for each of us, sinner as well as believer. My understanding of the lesson of Easter is connected with the deliverance of the people from bondage because in each instance the release from the shackles of despair and destruction resulted in the birth of a new understanding of our place in the universe. Both holidays deal with spiritual and physical cleansing of our bodies and souls. There is no finer way to fulfillment than this. Moses and Jesus both search for connection to God and they both affirm that the search is not complete without us taking that first step into the realm of Heavenly attributes. Rabbi Irwin Wiener is spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.
Not even this virus can stop the church and its people BY BISHOP DANNY YOHANNAN Guest Writer
The coronavirus COVID-19 is driving us into physical isolation as many of us selfisolate and try to stay home as much as possible to lower our risk of contracting and spreading the disease. A majority of churches around the world have even canceled their services and/or switched to a streaming platform instead of meeting in person. But in this time of unprecedented isolation, we -– the Church -- need to come together like never before. We might have to socially distance ourselves from others physically -- but we must allow this crisis to draw us closer to each other in our hearts, minds, and Christ-like actions. “Separate, yet come together” -- it seems like an oxymoron, a contradiction. So, how do we do that? Come together with God. It’s vitally important for every one of us to draw closer to God during this anxious time, so that He may draw closer in a personal way to each of us. In times of trial and tribulation, God’s people have always run to the outstretched arms of God, and the love of God has flooded them with His light, peace, and hope. Come together as a family. This is a lifechanging moment when we can choose to invest our precious time with our loved ones: encouraging them, talking with them about things that really matter, laughing together over memories, and praying together as a family – especially praying
for those suffering with the virus and for wisdom for the leaders of our nation. Also let us never forget to pray for God’s mercy and grace for millions who still wait to hear about the love of Christ for the first time. Let’s be careful not to waste this opportunity. Come together as a community of believers. We might be separated in body but we will always be together in spirit and in prayer. Use the full range of today’s communications tools to stay connected to your fellow believers, the Body of Christ. With modern technology, there’s no reason why we need to become spiritual castaways. Thanks to the incredible technology available to us, following the Scriptural command to “forsake not the assembling of yourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25) is possible anywhere, any time, in real-time. Come together to serve the most vulnerable. At this time of fear and uncertainty, let’s not forget the most vulnerable among us – the elderly, those with health issues, the homeless, and the poor – as well as those around the world with personal crises that can be utterly devastating (Matthew 25:40). Come together during Lent by putting our focus on God. As we are being encouraged to socially isolate ourselves, let us remember we are in the season of Great Lent. Rather than “social isolation,” we can practice “ascetic prayer.” We can turn this into a God-focused time as we all use this chance to quietly pray and intercede for those around us, and for those who are suffering.
Finally, COVID-19 might stop us gathering together in our traditional worship settings, but it will never stop the Church! We will fight this crisis on our knees in prayer – and we will fight it together.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, is able to separate us from the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39). Bishop Danny Yohannan is the vice president of Gospel for Asia.
Sun Lakes Counseling Services A ministry providing confidential individual, couples and family counseling services by experienced professionals on a sliding fee scale.
Anxiety/Fear • Depression • Stress • Grief/Loss Veterans and/or Family Members Dr. Julian Pickens, EdD, LISAC, LMFT, BRl-11
Licensed in Arizona as an Independent Substance Abuse Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. Specializes in couple and family counseling and substance abuse counseling.
Deb Ralston, MC, LPC, NCC
Licensed in Arizona as an Independent Professional Counselor and certified as a National Certified Counselor.
Chandler United Methodist Church Making and Deploying Disciples for over 100 Years.
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
SUNDAY WORSHIP At 8:30 am & 10:00 am Childcare Provided • All Welcome!
480-963-3360 | www.chandlermethodist.org | 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.
Call 480-895-8766 today for a complimentary initial consultation. A counselor will promptly return your call. Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Rd.,Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 www.sunlakescounselingservices.org