April 1, 2026

Easter is almost upon us!

Before we delight in the empty tomb and proclaim, “We are an Easter people!”, we must pass through the cross of Good Friday. In our current times, it seems as though there are a great many crosses to bear. Economic difficulties arise, one after another. A new health crisis appears in our bodies. The consumer society continues its pummeling of our minds and pocketbooks unabated. War seems to escalate. And then there is the building up of those small inconveniences that can wear us down.

I suppose none of this compares to the pain and agony of Jesus going to the hill at Golgotha some two thousand years ago. Nonetheless, all of the above and more make up our own suffering; a suffering that we should not discount.

Jesus had help on his journey to the cross. Simon of Cyrene was chosen – more like compelled – by the Roman soldiers to carry the cross for Jesus. Suffering should not happen alone. Our suffering should be accompanied by another. Thankfully, we have a body of Christ here at Hazelwood to walk with and to help us carry any burden.

Yes, the hard part is stepping through the need to “go it alone” and ask for help. The do-it-yourself culture in which we live is so hard to overcome. If you do ask, though, the helper will feel blessed to be able to help. Imagine: getting help and creating a blessing for another person.

Rev. Eric