Easter Sunday! It is a time of celebration for the Christian world, the resurrection of Christ. In Canada 67% of the population is Christian with Catholic being the predominant faith. Nearly 24% of the population is what they determine to be non-religious.
I liken these numbers to the polls at election time. Something to talk about but not much accuracy as it is just a category on the census form. It doesn’t necessarily mean the people go to church or practice the religion. By the same token, it does not mean the ‘non-religious people do not believe in God, only that they have not identified with a particular religion.
I fall into the later category. Growing up I attended several churches and found them to be anything but Christian in their teachings. Because of this I chose to follow God in my own way, and treat my fellow man in the way I would like to be treated. I believe that no matter who or where you are, the way you treat your fellow man is far more important than the number of times you visit a place of worship.
This brings me back to Easter. I did go to church today. I did not go to hear the sermon or the rituals that are performed with the mass. I went for the solitude that only an introvert can know in a crowded place of worship. It served to remind me that there is always a new beginning and that, in spite of ourselves, life goes on.
Combine that with sharing a meal with family and seeing the joy in the grandchildren’s eyes, and we are very aware that life goes on. Easter may not be a religious time for those who do not practice a religion but many take this time to be with and enjoy their families. In some cases, to reacquaint with those they have not seen in a while.
I can’t help but think that God would like that.
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