Garth Rattray

Every religion has 'sacrifice' as a tenet for achieving personal spiritual development.

It is interesting that Christianity - a religion so steeped in esotericism and spirituality - should have at its very core the brutal torture, spilling of blood and judicial execution of an innocent human being and God incarnate. It speaks volumes about the inexorable relationship between sacrifice and spirituality.

It is enlightening that Christ, unlike other religious icons that serve as examples by sacrificing to achieve a direct and quick way into paradise, did not seek personal gain in sacrificing Himself; He died so that WE could have a direct path to Heaven - if we only believe. This was a supremely unselfish act. He arose from the dead to assure us of God's promise of eternal life. Unfortunately, many Christians only have a superficial acquaintance with their belief (faith) - it only exists when they are in 'church mode' and disappears whenever the exigencies of their day-to-day lives come to the fore.

At this time of year, we Christians commemorate Easter to remember the sacrifice that God made for us, to revisit the basis of our faith and to reaffirm our commitment to seek after the narrow path to salvation. Soon, the solemnity of the season will wear off as mundane pursuits usurp our spiritual endeavours and cause us to forget all that God has gone through, is going through, and will go through for us.

Most of us envision God as being unfathomable and, therefore, detached. We act as if He is not a part of us nor we a part of Him. Many of us commit 'sins' of the mind and body, forgetting that God not only knows, but also experiences all that we think and do.

Epiphany

About eight years ago, I had an overwhelming experience that left absolutely no doubt in my mind that God is more intimately involved in our lives than we could ever imagine. Although some have allowed evil to cast a dark shadow over their souls and dim their spiritual light until it almost becomes imperceptible, good and bad, great and small, all have God journeying through life with them. That epiphany led me to write this poem:

Who hears that tree fall in that distant forest somewhere?

Who hears your silence when no one else seems to care?

Who sees that rainbow leap across that waterfall?

Who listens to you when upon His name you call? God does.

Who knows what happens on the dark side of the Moon?

Who tries to console you when loved ones have gone too soon?

Who helps the little leaf as it struggles towards the light?

Who stays beside you when you stand up for what's right? God does.

Who watches the mighty waves as they crash upon the shore?

Who will take care of you no matter what's in store?

Who smells the aroma of all the flowers in bloom?

Who keeps and guides you and saves your soul from doom? God does.

Who admires the comet as it speeds across the sky?

Who would gladly join you when you feel the need to cry?

Who puts all the stars in their places up above?

Who wants to be with you and shower you with love? God does.

Who sees what can't be seen and hears what can't be heard?

Who welcomes every child as it comes into this world?

Who gives all Himself and by you stands steadfast?

Who waits with open arms to welcome you home at last? God does.