This Sunday, April 20, 2025, many will gather at various religious organizations to pay respect for Jesus’ sacrifice on behalf of the world. At home, families will celebrate the Last Supper with elaborate meals. Others will give to charities or invite the poor for a meal in remembrance of Jesus’ death.
My mother taught me dignity when she invited the poor for a meal on Easter Sunday. It never occurs often; I have only seen this act of charity twice, which I can recall. We were among the poor, but a little better off financially.
I was christened a Catholic and baptized as a Witness in my young adult years. I can recall the Easter Sundays when I went to church to celebrate the Last Supper. After the Priest sermon, many will form a line towards the altar. Each person kneels before the Priest. He makes the sign of the cross before putting a wafer on our tongues.
The truth is, I never was thought the full story of Jesus’ journey and the meaning of his sacrifice until I started studying the Bible, and attending meetings with my second sister, who was affiliated with the Jehovah’s Witness kingdom hall.
During my childhood, I attended other religious organizations, such as Temples. Taken to the facilities by a white woman, of whose name I cannot recall. And the truth is, I do not know the relationship she had with my parents. This would be my mother, as my dad was mostly traveling, being a fisherman and all. I do not know the relationship she had with the white woman or her with the family.
“A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness launches forth mere lies.” -Proverbs 14:5
Lies come from the stem of fear. Fear is an emotion characterized by dread or expectation of harm. In my Review of the account in Luke 22, which tells of the Last Supper. A question I answered.
Peter said he was willing to go to prison or die for Jesus. Jesus did inform him that a Rooster would not crow until he had denied knowing him three times. And to Jesus’ word Peter proved right.
Do keep in mind that Peter is only human, and his experience with Jesus. Peter’s witness of Jesus’ arrest not only put doubt in his mind. It also diminished Peter’s boldness to admit he knew Jesus. He was not willing to lose his life. This proves Peter’s lack of faith and confidence in Jesus’ protection of him.
Before him stood the man he knew. This man healed the sick, cured the blind, and raised the dead. He was now standing before a mob. They were mistreating him by pulling on his beard, spitting on him, and hitting him. Yet, he just stood there, not defending himself. This terrible, frightful sight forced Peter to deny knowing Jesus. While he was still speaking on his third admission, “Man I do not know what you are saying.” At this moment, the Rooster crowed, and Jesus turned and looked at him. Peter immediately came to his senses, ashamed of his action, and left the area in tears.
This passage also brings to light God’s word about where two or three are gathered, “I am there.” It also shows that in a court of law, the word of one witness must be corroborated by another. This is necessary to prove a point. In Peter’s case, there were three claims against him. In Jesus’ case, many were witnesses of his works. However, high officials’ operative agenda was to keep the word from spreading and the people suppress by ignorance.
This passage in Luke 22: 55-62 reminded me of a situation between my sister and me. With her own eyes she witnesses an ornament I picked up from the shelf, as I walked to the doorway. In the heat of anger, I told her not to dare raise her hand at me. At that moment, the figurine in my hand shattered to pieces. This had surprised me as I am sure it did to her. An incident that proves the strength anger and love has to move obstacles. Months later, she called me a liar during a conversation. She then brought forth a figurine that resembled the broken one. My response is not to continue arguing; just let her know she was calling God a liar. Was it fear holding her back from admitting the truth? My answer without confirmation is yes. She will bear the consequences for whatever reason she holds back from admitting the truth. Those guilty of their actions against the truth will also face consequences.
The account of Peter proves that Love will not allow the conscience to deny a truth for long. It will take a minute. A day, or a year [with men, years] for the word of the spirit to prove a fact. Eventually, this brings death sooner to those who continue to deny the truth.
Jehovah is not slow respecting his promises. He is patient with us. He allows each one to turn around and repent from a wicked course.
Jealousy breeds a person’s wickedness. They desire to end a beneficial or good process of progress for a person or people. This is what the Pharisees wanted in Jesus’ case. He had to be silent from opening the eyes of those who were blind in an intellectual sense.
To remain silent or boldly speak out comes from inner truths and beliefs. Jesus’ silence showed that strength is not always flashy, but in one’s calm and quiet disposition.
Thus. This Sunday, April 20, 2025, those who decide to partake in the wafer, which signifies Jesus’ body, are called to reflect. The wine signifies His blood. Be sure, my dear ones, that you have resolved the truth within your hearts. For it is written: Do not be misled. God is not one to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. – Galatians 6:7.
The account with my sister is in my Memoir. In the book Part Two, Chapter 7, the reason for my partaking in the evening meal is given. The title is Until My Dying Day by B. M. Lustol, published by Dorrance Publishing Company. To order your copy, call 1800-788-7654.
http://www.dorrancebookstore.com
Additional reading: Proverbs 4:10, Isaiah 29
Better The End 