We don’t have to be perfect. Christ embraced disciples who deserted and even denied him. His love for us is equally forgiving.
We don’t have to cheat or steal. Christ fed 5,000 with five loaves. He turned water into wine. He will meet our deepest needs.
We don’t have to lie. Christ promised that the truth would make us free.
We don’t have to be ruled by lust, gluttony or addiction. Through Christ, we have the strength to resist the strongest appetite.
We don’t have to be lazy. If we make a beginning, Christ will help us serve him.
We don’t have to be stingy. Christ promised, “Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing.”
We don’t have to boast or be prideful. Christ loves shady characters. We don’t have to impress him.
We don’t have to judge. When Christ returns, he will settle all accounts. We can leave those other sinners to him.
We don’t have to be rude or coarse. Christ isn’t intimidated or shocked. He sees the confusion in our hearts and shows us the way to real peace.
We don’t have to be vain. Christ is glad we enjoy our physical gifts, but what he really loves is inside.
We don’t have to win. Salvation is not limited to insiders. Christ offers abundant life to everyone.
We don’t have to be smart. Christ looks at our hearts. He sees no limitations there.
We don’t have to hide. Christ loves the talkative and the quiet, the brave and the timid, the fat and the skinny, the handsome and the homely, the athletic and the disabled, the pope and the prostitute. Heaven has room for everyone.
We don’t have to be jealous. Christ’s love is so huge that it can fill every soul that was ever born or ever will be born. He can’t love one soul more than another, because he whole-heartedly loves us all.
We don’t have to feel ashamed. Christ was tempted in every way as we are. He’s not embarrassed by our tears or worried that we’ll get him dirty.
We don’t have to be small. Christ wants us to lead full and exciting lives. He rejoices in our accomplishments, which come from his grace.
We don’t have to be serious. Christ loved parties and kept the wine flowing. Dancing, singing, laughing, splashing, cuddling — there’s no limit to the innocent pleasures God provides to his children.
We don’t have to talk to God in some special, fancy way. Christ told us to bring God all our concerns and to talk with him as openly and easily as we do our Daddy.
We don’t have to be right. Mary was wrong about wanting Christ to come home. Peter was wrong about Gentiles. Mistakes aren’t sins, and anyway our sins are forgiven.
We don’t have to worry. Christ had family and friends. He understands. We can trust him with our loved ones.
We don’t have to get angry. Christ triumphed over lies, mockery, injustice, physical abuse and agonizing death. Through him, we too will know victory.
We don’t have to fear. No institution, law, illness, creature, spirit, sin, not even death can separate us from God’s love through Christ.
We don’t have to despair. Christ knew that instant of feeling cut off from his Father. He endured and triumphed. In him and through him, so will we.
If Easter is true, we can throw away most of the burdens we lug around. The end of the story is, “Goodness wins!” We can relax and rejoice. It’s Easter every day.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo 96720, or email: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
