While in the Indian Ocean Islands we witnessed a Hindu Festival that was taking place. During the festival men and women pierce their bodies with sharp hooks and other objects in dedication to their gods.

Carrying their family idol, barefoot on hot pavement, for several miles

The drummers and many of those in the procession were in a trance

Some of them carried the idols on their heads while others attached chains to their bodies with hooks and pulled the idols on wheels. Watching this festival was shocking and sad. It brought home to us the meaning of God's grace---the fact that Jesus has paid for the sins of humanity, that He was "pierced for our transgressions," and we can't do anything to "earn" God's favor. His grace is sufficient.