True spirit of Easter
By Leo J Pereira
Easter is a principal feast of the Christians and a major celebration. Easter is celebrated on a Sunday at the end of seven weeks of preparation, which includes prayer, sacrifice and act of kindness.
According to Christian faith, Jesus Christ died on the cross on Friday -- known as Good Friday, and returned to life on the third day -- the glorious Easter Sunday. In preparation for celebrating Easter, believers spend 40 days in various acts of fasting, almsgiving and prayers.
Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. In the cycle of nature, Easter always falls in spring. Characteristic of spring is green and colourful nature new sprouts, fresh leaves, blossoming of flowers. Nature gets new life and look. So, the symbolic meaning of Easter and spring is similar. Jesus dies and regains life on Easter and as does nature in spring. Easter celebration calls upon Christians to live renewed life and give hope and new life to those in need.
Lent: A time of sacrifice
According to the Bible, Jesus spent 40 days in the desert wilderness in prayers, meditation and fasting in preparation for his mission. Satan tempted and tested Jesus to deviate him from the mission. Jesus confidently faced the temptations of Satan and remained faithful.
In preparation for Easter, recalling the desert experience of Jesus, Christians observe 40 days of Lent a time of penitence and sacrifice -- from Ash Wednesday till Holy Saturday. Three key practices during Lent are fasting and sacrifice, almsgiving and acts of kindness, and prayers. Believers skip meals, omit meat and/or fish, consume less food, reduce expenses, and spend more time in prayer and meditation.
Thus, they save money and use that to do good deeds for others. Fasting helps to control sensual feelings and change character; Christians also practice giving up bad habits and acquire good qualities. The spirit of Lent is: Tear your hearts and not your clothes, and come back to God (Joel 2: 13). Christians sincerely work on transforming their lives as preparation for Easter.
Mahatma Gandhi offered his life for liberating the people of the India sub-continent. Mother Teresa sacrificed her life for the poor and abandoned people of the world. Christians believe Jesus sacrificed his life for their sins. Believers of that time did not live a good life. For their wrongdoings and indulgences, Jesus gave his life the Roman government crucified him to death. Realising Gods love, Jesus gave up his life through a painful ordeal. God awarded him with life in return. Hence, Easter becomes a celebration of sacrifice and life.
Easter should not merely be a religious festival for Christians. A genuine celebration of sacrifice and life demands not only festivity but also a resolution - an act of kindness that comes out of joy. A true celebration of Easter should turn to an action, a cause to better the lives of others.
Celebration of sacrifice should reform and transform life; celebration of life should be seen in good deeds. Taking the side of the oppressed, raising voice for justice, practicing fairness in words and actions, living with hope and giving people courage to live should be the actions of a true celebration of sacrifice and life. That is the characteristic of an Easter people. Society needs Easter people.
The writer is a PhD candidate at University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
