The joy of Easter
Wednesday 19th March 2008

This coming Friday is Good Friday. Christians, the world over commemorate on this day the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

According to the Christian scriptures, Jesus had to die on the cross inorder to save the world from sin. He himself foretold his death and betrayal by one of his own apostles, Judas Iscariot. He also foretold that on the third day he will rise from the dead.

Both events have since been observed by Christians as two of the greatest mysteries; hence his death is deemed as one of the five sorrowful mysteries while his resurrection counts as one of the five Glorious mysteries. By ‘mystery’ is meant a high truth beyond human understanding but which has to be believed because it has been revealed by God himself. Likewise both events have since been observed by fasting, abstinence and penitence for forty days culminating on Good Friday and relieved on Easter. Good Friday is marked by prayer, deep reflection, and a replay, if you will, of Jesus’ difficult journey from the courtyard of Pontius Pilate governor of Judea before whom he was judged and condemned, to Calvary where he finally died. Re-living this experience would for Mary or all followers have the effect of reminding oneself how Jesus had suffered and given his life for them, their obligation therefore to rededicate themselves to honouring that great sacrifice, and to living exemplary lives. All in all it is a period of self-mortification, reflection, penitence, asking God for forgiveness and being reconciled with him. One of the ultimate acknowledgements of the period must be the immense love and mercy of God, and that there is no hope for human salvation without the relenting and oft-returning mercy of God.

On Easter Sunday the mood changes from sorrow to one of great joy because Jesus had risen as he foretold. The Lenten experience all ends therefore in triumph of a risen Christ, and with joyous acclamation among the congregations; “Deo Gratias; Alleluia!’ which translates ‘Thanks be to God, all Praise!’ so we seize this opportunity to wish all Christians a happy Easter and to say ‘Deo Gratias’ and pray that the virtues and blessings of Lent remain, and that we all see many more Easters to come.

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