President Weekes: Easter a time to reflect

PRESIDENT Paula-Mae Weekes has drawn parallels between the self sacrifice and in some cases, suffering, some people have gone through due to the pandemic and the sacrifices, suffering and eventual crucifixion that Jesus Christ endured for the redemption of all mankind.

In her Easter message to the nation, issued on Holy Thursday, the President said Easter is an apt time to reflect on nature's cycle of birth and death, joy and despair, triumph and disaster.

Constructed around the coming, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, Easter she said, establishes for believers seasons to observe, feast days to commemorate, periods to engage in self-denial and contemplation, and opportunities to weave their faith into the rhythm of daily life.

Having just come through the prayer, fasting and introspection characteristic of the Lenten season, Christians she said, who are now fortified with renewed faith and conviction, celebrate Easter, the festival at the heart of the Christian calendar. With its narrative of hope and promise of salvation, Easter offers reassurance and encouragement to the believer and non-believer alike.

Easter helps us to find hope amid overwhelming despair. Christ’s death plunged his followers into mourning, but the discovery of the empty tomb and risen Lord filled them with great joy and hope for the future. The scripture “though weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning” took on new resonance and meaning.

During the past year, the said, people have been forced to rethink the way they conduct the business of life, resetting plans and priorities as all had to come to terms with the reality of covid19.

"We have experienced and endured the death of many hopes and dreams, but in the spirit of Easter we can, with hope and resolve, look forward to a brighter day.

"Let us embrace the theme of victory—Christ’s victory over the grave and our victory over the trials and crises that confront us. May we, both Christians and non-Christians, draw inspiration from the story of Easter with its universal message of 'the contagion of hope',” she said.