Faith: `Things hoped for, not seen’
Some (strange) beneficiaries of rigging
Perhaps unashamedly, most of the sentiments of my lead caption are repeats from almost exactly three years ago.
“Keep doing this in remembrance of me”, Jesus Christ is reported as telling His disciples when they all last gathered at the last dinner-time. Bread and Blood (wine) were to be everlasting symbols of communing with Him when He would have transitioned as was prophesised.
Today, Good Friday, is the most sacred observance of all “days”, festivals and commemorations for active Christians and their calendar. (Nowhere in the Bible is it requested or suggested to celebrate Jesus’ birth, that now popular event known as Christ-mass (e) – Christmas.) And I remember the late Leon Rockliffe advising that this is indeed a “good” Day and should not be overwhelmed with the solemnity of dark colours and sustained mournful grieving. After all “God so loved (us) the world He willingly “gave” His only Son” on the cross so that we would “not perish” but enjoy the good life.
Not a practising Believer myself, I always wonder how did God’s generosity work out? Look around at the global suffering, conflicts and pandemics today. Satan the Devil certainly seems to be a significant competitor, as mankind succumbs to sin.
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A Friday for faith
Over the 28 year-old life of this column, I’ve found it easy to maintain that true Christians must have sustained faith to believe in: (1) the Virgin Birth of God the Son, Jesus; (2) the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension.
Skeptics like me would leave space to wonder, even question. But Christians are bound to maintain belief, faith in all these recorded events. Even if the Biblical recorders reported in wonderful creative, literary language. Take the concept of Christian faith.
Now besides “allegiance”, “loyalty” and complete “trust”, a dictionary would also define faith as “belief and trust in God” and “a system of religious beliefs.” Fair enough. Frankly Speaking to me faith is also belief held dear; hope that good will accrue (whenever). Many are sustained by faith even when good is forever elusive.
No wonder the Bible’s Hebrews (11.1) advises that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Which explains why Christians should be comfortable accepting difficult Christian concepts – with a little help from informed pastors and preachers. Even when the fruits of their faith
Me kite, you balluh?
are not obvious, or immediately forthcoming. *****
Luke, Jesus, Peter…implications
Of all the accounts by the four Gospel Chroniclers and others, I choose Luke the evangelist. Christian scholars have deemed his account – indeed his acts (of the other apostles) to be geographically accurate and as authentic as they come. As if he was actually there.
And interestingly, Luke is the patron saint of artists, physicians, surgeons, students and butchers! Significantly too Luke is regarded as a professional historian.
Luke’s style captures attention as he reports about Jesus revealing that one of his faithful breaking bread with him would betray him; would disown him for fear of the authorities and even the priests who all wanted the rebellious Rabbi eliminated. That turned out to be none other than Peter. Who swore at the meal that “Lord I am ready to go with thee both into prison and into death!” Of course the Great betrayal did happen. Yet Peter the Fisherman, who had otherwise stuck to Jesus’ evangelism and mission later repented. Jesus did tell Petros that he was the rock upon which the church would be built and sustained. The Christian world, eventually the splintered Catholics of Rome, had their original Pope. Have a Great Friday of reflection and gratitude.
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Who benefits from electoral rigging?
Even though the events of the first Good Friday’s Execution were informed by the heavy Roman politics of the day; and even though the answer to the question in the immediate caption above might be obvious, I spare a few sentences on the issue. Even on this Holy Day.
From 1968 to 1985, general elections under Burnham/Hoyte administrations were, managed masterfully. That technique to deny people’s will was/is known as electoral rigging. But who would benefit? Who were beneficiaries of position, power, status, even wealth? Even though they knew their offices were acquired through political, electoral stealth and thievery? Many meant to serve! To assist the country. But…
Included in the past: Me – Allan Fenty was allowed/appointed to act as the country’s Chief Information Officer. (Ho-ho-ho.)
Without even recording their surnames here, I remind that giant achievers under Burnham and Hoyte chaired the UN General Assembly, became Prime Ministers, Vice-Presidents, Ministers, CEO’s, heads of Boards, Commissions; became judges, diplomats, big “successful” business icons – even a World Court Judge! The New PNC Turks know what is to be missed out upon now.
So tell me folks: who is left with personal morality, integrity to reject rigging?
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Perspectives, kites, “balluhs”
As we move into the more celebratory aspects of the sometimes sombre Easter – Cross Buns, Easter Eggs, Kite Flying, limited Easter Covid fetes – I share an Easter-time Creole folklore proverb: “Doan Fly Me Kite wid you Balla”. Don’t use your string to raise and fly my kite.
Our perspectives are different; points-of-view vary. So don’t use your techniques, your background, beliefs or skills to selfishly outline only one approach. Happy limited kite flying.
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Ponder – but believe?
1) The still “new” Prime Minister – along with the fit, ubiquitous Minister of Works – took time to assure us of a reliable national electrical power supply when the additional power plant comes on. Any comment?
2) Presidents Trump and Biden seem to favour our former Brigadier President – allegations of electoral rigging and no frequent Press Conferences.
3) Notice how myths and legends reinforce festivals?
4) Is it not obvious by now? Searches must be daily
in what passes for our prisons?
‘Til next week allanafenty@yahoo.com all religious