by Fr. Sean Major-Campbell

Have you been under a lot of stress? Have you been burdened? Have you felt condemned, wrongly judged, and forsaken?

The pains of life and the loneliness of the wilderness or Lenten journey can be readily understood by many in the Cayman Islands. Many persons live alone.  Many Caymanians feel marginalized in their own country.  Many expatriates feel voiceless in the midst of various injustices.

We need to embrace the message of the cross in our Cayman experience.  I would suggest that the image of John and Mary standing beneath the cross becomes a paradigm for us in these Islands where so many have known powerful friendships that transcend the biological relationship.

While he was on the cross, Jesus gave to his disciple John, Mary as mother.  To Mary, he gave John as son.

I have found that some of my deepest friendships/relationships have been without the connection of biological ties. Similarly, some of the most beautiful friendships which we form go beyond nationalistic sentiments. I suppose that this is due to the universal nature of love and spirit that will not be bound by the limitations of temporal concerns.

Living in Jesus Christ includes knowing that he shares in our pains and our sufferings. He, who bore the burden of our sins, knows what it feels like to be forsaken – even by God!

If you have felt forsaken by life lately, resurrection power can heal you and empower you. It is the power that knows that the stone at the door of the tomb can be rolled away.

The strong sense of disillusion that many face because of economic hardships; the challenge to marital relationships and the necessary quality of family life; the sense of hopelessness for those without job security, all these contribute to the high levels of stress in the Cayman Islands.

Resurrection power invites us to think positive and become active agents of change and transformation in our world.  After the resurrection, the small band of disciples set out on a mission that continues to bring the good news of healing and salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Just imagine what could be achieved if Christians in the Cayman Islands were united for justice and truth! Just imagine what could be achieved if Christians in the Cayman Islands were united in the interest of human rights for all. Just imagine if Christians in the Cayman Islands led the way of justice and truth by example.

Easter joy is ours. Resurrection power is ours; but only if we would leave the tombs of selfishness, lying, deceit, and hypocrisy! Rise above self-doubt, and know the courageous you that have been fashioned in the presence and power of our Resurrected Lord Christ.