Me kite, you balluh?
Without exception perhaps, most of the feelings of my lead addiction are repeats almost exactly three years ago.
“Keep doing this in my memory”, it is said that Jesus Christ told his disciples when they all gathered last lunchtime. Bread and Blood (wine) were to be eternal symbols of communion with him when he had transformed as prophesied.
Today, Good Friday is the most sacred of all “days”, holidays and commemorations for active Christians and their calendar. (There is no place in the Bible that is asked for or suggested to celebrate the birth of Jesus, that popular event now known as the Mass of Christ (e) – Christmas.) And I remember the late Leon Rockliffe advising that this was indeed a Day of “ good ”and the solemnity of dark colors and the constant mourning of mourning should not be overwhelmed. After all “God loved (us) the world He” willfully “put his only Son on the cross so that we would not” perish “but enjoy the good life.
Not an active Believer myself, I always wonder how God’s generosity worked out? Take a look at global suffering, conflicts and pandemics today. Satan the Devil certainly seems to be a significant contender, as mankind surrenders to sin.
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Friday for faith
Over the 28-year-old life of this column, I have found it easy to claim that true Christians must have held faith to believe in: (1) the Birth of the Virgin of God the Son, Jesus; (2) the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.
Skeptics like myself would leave room for wonder, even question. But Christians are bound to maintain faith, faith in all these recorded events. Even if the biblical recorders recited in creative, literary and wonderful language. Take the concept of the Christian faith.
Now apart from complete “loyalty”, “loyalty” and “trust”, a dictionary would also define faith as “belief and trust in God” and “a system of religious beliefs.” Fair enough. Actually speaking to me faith is also a belief that is dear; hopefully good build up (whenever). Many are sustained by faith even when goodness is not avoided forever.
No wonder the Hebrews of the Bible (11.1) advise that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the testimony of things not seen.” Which explains why Christians should be comfortable accepting difficult Christian concepts – with a little help from knowledgeable pastors and preachers. Even when the fruit of their faith is not apparent, or forthcoming.
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Luke, Jesus, Peter… implications
From all the accounts by the four Gospel Chronicles and others, I choose Luke the evangelist. Christian scholars have judged his account – indeed his actions (the other apostles) to be geographically accurate and as valid as they come. As if it were actually there.
And interestingly, Luke is the patron saint of artists, doctors, surgeons, students and butchers! Significantly Luke is considered a professional historian.
Luke’s style catches attention as he recounts Jesus revealing that one of his faithful would break bread with him who betrayed him; angering him for fear of the authorities and even the priests who all wanted the rebellious Rabbi to be removed. That was nothing but Peter. Who swore during the meal “Lord I’m ready to go with you to prison and to death!” Of course the Great betrayal happened. Yet Peter the Fisherman, who had otherwise adhered to the evangelization and mission of Jesus, repented. Jesus told Petros that he was the rock on which the church would be built and maintained. The Christian world, eventually Roman Catholics, had their original Pope. Have a Great Friday of reflection and gratitude.
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Who benefits from electoral rigging?
Although the events of the first Good Friday execution were informed by the heavy Roman politics of the day; and while the answer to the question in the direct heading above may be obvious, I save a few sentences on the matter. Even on this Holy Day.
Between 1968 and 1985, general elections under the Burnham / Hoyte administrations were masterfully controlled. That technique of denying people’s will was called electoral rigging. But who would benefit? Who were the beneficiaries of job, power, status, and even wealth? Even though they know their offices have been acquired through political, electoral and thievery stealth? Many were supposed to serve! Assisting the country. But…
Previously covered: I was allowed / appointed – Allan Fenty to act as the country’s Chief Information Officer. (Ho-ho-ho.)
Without even recording their surnames here, I remind that massive achievers under Burnham and Hoyte chairing the UN General Assembly, have become Prime Ministers, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Chief Executives, Heads of Boards, Commissions; he became judges, diplomats, “successful” big business icons – even a World Court Judge! The New PNC Turks know what to lose now.
So tell me folks: who is left with personal morality, integrity to refuse rigging?
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Views, kites, balluhs
As we move into the more celebratory and sometimes quiet aspects of Easter – Cross Buns, Easter Eggs, Flying Kites, limited Covid Easter fairs – I share the Creole folklore proverb at Easter: “Doan Fly Me Kite wid you Balla ”. Don’t use your string to lift and fly my kite.
Our views are different; views vary. So don’t use your techniques, background, beliefs or skills to outline just one method. Happy limited kite flying.
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Ponder – but believe?
1) The “new” Prime Minister – along with the fit, ubiquitous Minister of Works – still took time to assure us of a reliable national electrical power supply when the additional power station comes on stream. Any comment?
2) Presidents Trump and Biden seem to favor our former Brigadier President – allegations of electoral rigging and often no Press Conferences.
3) Notice how myths and legends reinforce all religious festivals?
4) Isn’t it obvious now? Do searches have to be daily in what passes into our prisons?
‘Till next week