Easter & Rev. Sun Myung Moon

As we bid farewell to Holy Week, we reflect on Easter Sunday that just passed and how Jesus appeared to a young Sun Myung Moon on Easter Morning in 1935. This significant encounter set Rev. Sun Myung Moon on the path toward fulfilling Heaven’s Will.

Easter Sunday, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible.

Marked by church services and symbolic traditions, it is considered the most important day in the Christian calendar and symbolises the victory of life over death, redemption, and the hope of eternal life for believers.

The following in an extract from “As A Peace-Loving Global Citizen” where Rev. Sun Myung Moon recalls his encounter with Jesus on Easter morning:

“It was the night before Easter in the year I turned sixteen. I was on Mount Myodu praying all night and begging God in tears for answers. Why had He created a world so filled with sorrow and despair? Why was the all-knowing and all-powerful God leave the world in such pain? What should I do for my tragic homeland? I wept in tears as I asked these questions repeatedly.

Early Easter morning, after I had spent the entire night in prayer, Jesus appeared before me. He appeared in an instant, like a gust of wind, and said to me, “God is in great sorrow because of the pain of humankind. You must take on a special mission on earth having to do with Heaven’s work.”

That day, I saw clearly the sorrowful face of Jesus. I heard his voice clearly. The experience of witnessing the manifestation of Jesus caused my body to shake violently, like a quaking aspen’s leaves trembling in a strong breeze. I was simultaneously overcome with fear so great I felt I might die and gratitude so profound I felt I might explode. Jesus spoke clearly about the word I would have to do. His words were extraordinary, having to do with saving humanity from its suffering and bringing joy to God.

My initial response was, “I can’t do this. How can I do this? Why would you even give me a mission of such paramount importance?” I was truly afraid. I wanted somehow to avoid this mission, and I clung to the hem of his clothing and wept inconsolably.” [Rev. Sun Myung Moon]

Crown of Glory

When I doubt people, I feel pain.
When I judge people, it is unbearable.
When I hate people, there is no value to my existence.

Yet if I believe, I am deceived.
If I love, I am betrayed
Suffering and grieving tonight, my head in my hands.
Am I wrong?

Yes I am wrong.
Even though we are deceived, still believe,
Though we are betrayed, still forgive.
Love completely, even those who hate you.

Wipe your tears away and welcome with a smile
Those who know nothing but deceit,
And those who betray without regret.

O, Master, the pain of loving.
Look at my hands.
Place your hand on my chest.
My heart is bursting, such agony.

But when I love those who acted against me,
I brought victory.
If you have done the same things,
I will give you the Crown of Glory.

Sun Myung Moon wrote this poem about his Easter 1935 encounter with Jesus, when he was just 15.