If you know your comic book lore (you don’t have to admit it), you’ll know that when someone made David Banner angry – I mean really, really angry – he turned green, grew huge, hulking muscles, and threw a bulldozer-sized temper tantrum.

He didn’t have to worry about finding forgiveness in his heart, because he would simply turn into the Incredible Hulk, go on a quick, stress-relieving rampage, and then maybe go get a Fresca. Rampaging makes you thirsty.

Banner’s catch phrase? "You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry."

Easter is all about what he never had the chance to do, forgive. Forgiving isn’t easy, and I have to admit that there have been many, many occasions in my life when I wish I could have turned into the Incredible Hulk.

(The last time someone really angered you – I mean really, really angered you — wouldn’t it have been nice to do just a little rampaging? Just a little?)

Lord knows -- and thankfully so -- that the journey to finding forgiveness in your heart can be an uphill climb ... with a piano tied to your back playing the long version of "Little Green Apples." Forgiving rarely comes easy.

Easter is the most deeply spiritual of all the Christian holidays because it represents the event on which our Church is built. It’s Christ saying to every living soul, "I don’t care how awful you are — even you, the guy with the loud radio, or you, the lady who never starts to fill out her check until all her groceries are bagged, or even you, the one who constantly forgets the simple formula for kindness — I gave my blood for all of you, not just one or two. I died for each and every one of you, so that you can be forgiven and have eternal life in Heaven, which is a really nice place, better even than Florida."

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, "Sure, Rocket" (Dave Myers is my pen name. My real name is Rocket Jones.) (Sorry. I don’t know why I wrote that. Dave Myers is my real name.) "but that was Jesus, God’s son. We’re only human. Christ forgave his aggressors even as he hung on the cross. If that were me on the cross, I’d be saying, ‘You better HOPE I don’t come down off this cross, ’cause if I do, you’re TOAST!!!’"

Jesus knows our weaknesses. He knows that forgiveness can sometimes take a back seat to anger and aggression. I used to have a boss who was very verbally abusive, and years later, I’ve finally begun to forgive the so-and-so.

There are two things to remember. One, Christ doesn’t expect forgiveness to be a blank check. He wants us to be emotionally healthy. Believe it or not, going just a little the way of the Hulk can be a good thing, as long as no one is pummeled. Bottling up pain can lead to anger, depression (which is anger focused inward), insomnia, addiction, and ultimately serious health problems. Without getting too "Oprah," I am the king of bottling anger. Remember my column about heart problems?

And two, I’m reminded of the words of the immortal "Joe Dirt" (Yes, I liked the movie. So sue me.) who, after being verbally assaulted, said, "They don’t really mean what they say. They just got their own issues and whatnot. Alls I gotta do is keep bein’ a good person no matter what. Good things will come my way."

Sometimes people lash out because they’re angry about something that has nothing to do with you. That doesn’t make it right, it’s just something good to remember. Not that it’s going to be on a test or anything.

And finally, always know that sometimes forgiveness just takes time. You may never forget, but as time goes on, it will become much easier to forgive.

I want to say something else about Easter. The story of Christ’s death and rebirth should bring comfort to those suffering the loss of a loved one. I feel blessed to have my own very personal, and very true Easter story. I know I’ve written of this before, but it’s worth repeating.

My great grandfather, a farmer, went blind as a young man. He continued to farm as he raised his family, but never was able to see his youngest twin sons, who were born after he lost his sight. Years after he died, my grandmother approached her brother with some news she had held secret for years, thinking people might think her crazy. She meekly told him that at their father’s funeral, she had seen her father’s face at the front of the church, smiling and peering down at the twin boys. Her brother smiled a wide smile, and told her he had seen him too.

Happy Easter, everybody.