Easter Sunday is the most significant feast in the Christian calendar. It is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who revealed His divinity, having lived, endured accusation, pain, death and finally was buried. The story behind Easter lies in the New Testament of the Bible, which narrates how the Roman authorities arrested Jesus, because he claimed to be the Son of God and was later crucified. His resurrection three days later marks the occasion of Easter.
The day concludes the “Passion of Christ,” which begins with a 40-day period of fasting – Lent and is concluded by the Holy Week – the Triduum (Holy Thursday – celebration of Jesus’ last supper, and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday are part of the Triduum which ends on Easter Sunday).
Easter is celebrated as a joyous occasion, and the Sunday prior to this day is the Palm Sunday, which marks the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into the city of Jerusalem. Jesus, rode on a donkey and was greeted with crowds, who welcomed him as a king by waving palm branches and laying the branches and cloaks on the ground in front of his path. The people cheered his arrival, shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest of heaven! Afterwards, Jesus returned, bearing all the marks of his suffering and humiliation, pointing us towards a new understanding. An understanding that pain and suffering don’t have to be the last word, that hope, love and compassion find their ways through at last. Easter Sunday and the singing of ‘alleluia’ give expression to the possibilities of this new understanding and hopefully to the desire to live in this hope, love and life of Jesus Christ. From the vigil of Easter, you can hear the ringing bells of the churches, and the people’s praises to the resurrected Christ. Even if you don’t consider yourself a religious person, you will definitely feel the mood of the Easter that is everywhere. The amazing feeling of joy that is coming from everyone in the street – isn’t it a great reason to enjoy and cherish this season?
Many of us, have times when we fall short of this hope, and yet the Easter story invites us to pick ourselves up and try again. The story of Jesus Christ’s resurrection symbolises for us all that no matter the level of pain you experience, there is a chance to rise again. Easter is an opportunity to focus on rebirth. So however you mark Easter, may you experience something of the joy and life that the celebration offers to us. May you find some time this season to pause and rest and renew your spirit in hope of better days.
As we celebrate and cherish the glorious moment with lots of celebrations and joyous occasions, please be reminded that according to the Christian calendar, the Easter season lasts for about 50days, so there are indeed plenty of time to relish the joy and life where you can find it. Do let me know in the comment section, how you are celebrating the resurrection Sunday. Happy Easter Celebration! #EMBA28.
