April 2026

VIEW FROM THE HEIGHTS               

April 2026

Eastertide Greetings!

And Happy April!

Last Sunday, we celebrated Jesus’ donkey ride into Jerusalem. It was neither a “triumphal entry” nor a death march to fulfill an angry God’s lust for blood.

Our God is LOVE[i] and LOVE only seeks blood when somebody needs a transfusion or a plasmapheresis.

Jesus’ journey was part of his mission to stop oppression in all its forms. He preached against violence, proclaimed equality for the disadvantaged and differently-abled, and provided care for the discarded and abused. Finally, he took this protest to Jerusalem: to the top civil, military, and religious authorities. His donkey-led march was the G.O.A.T. protest marches!

As his compatriots and kindred Jews gathered to commemorate the Passover, Pilate rode into the City with a show of force. Foot soldiers, mounted soldiers, weapons and armoury, were paraded before the occupied nation to declare that Rome was watching.

They could commemorate their ancient victory against Egypt and slavery if they wanted to. But if they tried any real-time resistance, they would be obliterated.

 As I shared this story of Jesus’ courage and love, I inquired whether he thought his protest would succeed. Most people looked cautious - worried about saying anything that might demean him. Then a little girl put her hand up. “Yes!” she said triumphantly.

Her simple faith assured her that Jesus CAN get things done!

“From the mouths of babies and infants you’ve arranged praise for yourself”![ii]

Jesus had the strong, Grownup of God, version of our young worshipper’s faith. He trusted that God always wills the best for Creation. He was sure that all people are precious to our Heavenly Parent. Jesus also believed – hoped - that men and women would do the right thing when push came to shove.

They failed him that weekend. But then came Resurrection and Pentecost and the Church!  Jesus’ new followers embraced his teachings on justice and fairness, mercy and love. The God whom Jesus called “Dad”, the One who is LOVE, was lifted up. Great acts of compassion and goodness were – and are – done in Jesus’ name. His protest march DID succeed!

Sadly, we have waivered considerably over the centuries. Theologies that only serve the powerful are still proclaimed. Love of neighbour remains under discussion.

Humanity’s will to harm has made a mockery of Jesus’ message of peace. Our hurtful pettinesses marring his Good News of God’s inclusive love.

After 2 thousand years, it’s high time we finally and forever confessed that his WAY of peace and love are the only way.

Let’s say “YES” to his success!

Eternal Spirit,

Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!

The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!

Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!

Your commonwealth of peace and freedom

sustain our hope and come on earth.[iii]

Eastertide Blessings,

Brenda

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[i] 1 John 4:8

[ii] Matthew 21:16 C.E.B.

[iii] From the Maori Lord’s Prayer, The New Zealand Prayer Book