Easter message must touch humanity

Today is Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday.

It is derived from the command given by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper that we should love one another.

It ushers us into the commemoration of Easter, which marks the death and the resurrection of Christ, three days after His death, over 2,000 years ago.

Christians believe that Jesus came to this earth for the express purpose of shedding His blood on the Cross to provide forgiveness of sins for all mankind. Thus, through His triumph over death, eternal life has been granted to all who believe in Him.

Indeed, after walking on this earth for 33 years, three of which he used in propagating the message of forgiveness, feeding the hungry, fighting for the oppressed, healing the sick and leading an exemplary life, Jesus has left an enduring legacy for all mankind.

Easter is one of the most important celebrations on the Christian calendar.

It is the foundation of Christianity, as the resurrection of Christ from the dead gives a full confirmation  of all that preceded His three-year ministry on earth.

The resurrection is thus the core of the Christian Gospel.

The Daily Graphic thus shares in the sentiments Christians attach to the celebration.

After a month-long season of Lent, characterised by spiritual soul searching and joyful conclusion to prayer, fasting and penitence, it is a matter of course that they want to make merry.

We join Christendom in this joyous moment and wish them well as they pray, meditate, worship, jubilate and make merry in commemoration of this very important occasion.

As the country celebrates this important event on the Christian calendar, the paper draws the attention of all citizens to learn lessons from what Christ stood for.

We believe the debate is not whether one confesses to the Christian faith but rather taking a cue from the life of the man who has hugely influenced human history.

Jesus, as a prophet, teacher, saviour, human being or a divine entity has greatly touched almost every life on earth for over 2,000 years.

Many constitutions of countries around the world embody and advocate His teachings.

His message has influenced music, politics and entire cultures of humanity.

It will be worth it for the current generation to emulate the life Jesus led on earth to make the world a better place for all.

Jesus risked his life for the welfare of all.

He remained calm, patient and gentle in the face of opposition and adversity.

He depicted a leader concerned about the improvement in the living standards of His people.

His concern for the downtrodden, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged is unmatched.

These are great lessons for leadership to prioritise the welfare of the people.

In our homes, communities, workplaces, the church and the mosque, we must avoid avarice, selfishness and greed and ensure a better life for the underprivileged among us.

We must not use our influence as leaders to molest and cheat the weaker ones of what rightly belongs to them.

By Christ’s example on earth, we owe it a duty to work diligently for the progress and prosperity of the country.

We must eschew the tendency to shield wrongdoing and point accusing fingers when we must take responsibility.

The 2021 Population and Housing Census puts Christians at 71.3 per cent of the population.

This places a huge responsibility on them to ensure that indiscipline, lawlessness, bribery and corruption, cheating, among many others that have become the bane of our country, become a thing of the past.

By their sheer numbers, it would be an indictment on Christians if they are not able to influence good behaviour in society.

They have a responsibility to lead the charge for a country of law, order and liberty.

The boldness of Christ should be an inspiration to Christians to confront wrongdoing head-on.

Notwithstanding the current economic challenges, we should be guided by the fact that Easter signifies freedom from all problems and have faith that the commemoration of the resurrection of Christ portends good for the country.

We urge Christians to commit themselves and renew their lives under the guidance of the risen Christ to reap the benefits thereof.

Citizens must continue to give thanks to God for the country’s achievements and successes and the peace we enjoy.

The Daily Graphic thinks that the sacrificial death of Christ enjoins all to extend love to one another, as it is this that will ensure the continued peace and stability of our nation.

Happy Easter to all and enjoy the season responsibly.