Easter morning reflections by a Michigan prisoner

Holy Week. A week filled with a tsunami of emotions. It’s early in the morning on Easter, and the stories of the past week remind me of so many similar circumstances in my own life. 

Take, for example, that best friend of Jesus. Jesus had changed his name from Simon to Peter, and had expressed such high praise for him…said he was going to be the actual head of the church! So, what does Peter do when the chips are down? He denies that he ever knew the guy! 

Yep, been there…done that! You’re loved by many when you go about your regular activities in your community…raise a family, go to work every day, go to church every Sunday. BUT, let something bad happen in your life, and it all goes to hell. Following an unfortunate situation, an arrest, a conviction and a sentence, not many friends anymore. I know the feeling. Many of my former associates, and even some family members, act like they never knew me. 

Then there was the actual sentence of Jesus. Death on a cross. We don’t have the death penalty here in Michigan. We have, what my friend calls, a “genteel” death sentence. It’s called life without parole. Instead of an immediate transformation into eternity, we are locked in cages for the rest of our lives. And they say that is not death. 

And what about that dude on the cross next to Jesus? I think his name was Dismas. Even though Jesus had been wrongly convicted, beside him on another cross hung a thug who had been a menace to society. Yet, acting upon his simple request, our Lord promised him that he would be with him in paradise…that very day! Incarcerated men and women like me just don’t encounter an attitude like that. We treasure a message like that! 

My heart was broken when I saw people making fun of a man being executed, especially in such a brutal manner as crucifixion. Teasing. Taunting. “If he’s God, why the heck can’t he save himself?” Those of us who reside in correctional facilities don’t have it quite that bad, but we are familiar with teasing and taunting. And, just as in Jesus’ day, some of that comes from the guards. “If you ever do get outta here, we’ll keep the bed warm for you. You’ll be back!” 

As I quietly consider these things during the early hours of Easter, I experience an amazing feeling of peace! I am consoled with positive thoughts. Christ died the death I deserved. His resurrection proves that I am now free from the bondage of sin. 

He is risen!



 

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