Commentary

Easter means Love, sacrifice, unity & development

By Dr. Nana Sifa Twum, Media and Communications Consultant

Easter, celebrated globally, is also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD” Christians around the globe authentically believe that Jesus died for everyone’s wrongdoings and then came back to life three days later to defeat death and evil, in fact, all evil. They further believe that if anyone believes in His resurrection, the person will be saved on a day set aside for judging this world.

Even though many Christian faiths have different views of the celebrations, especially as to why there is no fixed date for it as it is in the case of Christmas and also whether or not it is important to be observed. While it is known as a Christian festival, almost all sundry take part, especially enjoying the accompanying holidays. The concept and the lessons of Easter are so huge and fascinating as well as relevant for national development and unity. Even though the event happened very long ago, its significance and impact cannot be overemphasized. It is as relevant today as it was at the time it happened. Most often, celebrants of the sacred event rather, unfortunately, concentrate on the joy and the merrymaking aspect of it and play down the very core issues that are embodied in it. The celebration of this important occasion generally brings to bear clearly its significant applications in our daily lives as Christians and citizens.

In the history of the world, this unique festival on the global calendar could not be held the normal way for one reason, the emergence and spread of the Coronavirus during the last two years. Many homes are in deep sorrow and fear while uncertainty and anxiety have crippled many individuals and governments in the world. The global economy was virtually grounded to a pause and poverty continued to chase households as many were faced with lockdown protocols. It was established that disease knows no boundaries, color, race or social and economic status.

Politicians around the globe such as the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, the President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, the Presidential Chief of Staff in Nigeria, Abba Kyari and the European Union’s Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as well as the National Security Advisor in Brazil Augusto Heleno were all affected with the novel virus. In Ghana, four medical officers; Consultant Physician and Former Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule, who died on April 10, 2020, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, UGMC died with more than150 battled for their lives, according to the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).

Many high-profile events were either cancelled or postponed. For instance, the annual Met Gala, which is often referred to as Fashion’s biggest night out, was postponed indefinitely while the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Show in the United States of America was also called off. It was a very disheartening situation and mankind had no means of controlling the menace. The avoidance of the spread of COVID-19 requires a protocol of social distancing, but how can a church service be organized against such protocol. During last year’s Easter period, for instance, Pope Francis celebrated Palm Sunday mass behind closed doors at the Chair of Saint Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Pope instead spoke in the presence only of a small handful of priests and nuns and a reduced choir, who all maintained a safe distance from one another.

The numerous church conventions, camp meetings, crusades, and picnics that normally characterize the celebration of Easter were conspicuously absent the last two years. The usual loud radio and TV commercials at Easter social gatherings especially in the Kwahu area were just absent. “No Kwahu ooo Kwahu last year” In his latest update on the COVID situation in the country, President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo stated “Fellow Ghanaians, we have reached a critical point in our fight against COVID-19. The government has undertaken a comprehensive review of the raft of measures put in place to help win the fight against the virus.” Among these was the lifting of most of the bans that heavily impeded the organisation of events and churches.

“All in-person activities, such as those that take place in churches, mosques, conferences, workshops, private parties and events, cinemas and theatres may resume at full capacity, as long as the audience and/or participants are fully vaccinated. Hand washing and hand sanitizing points should be made available at these venues.” Now Easter is back in full swing. In celebrating, the people must adhere to its principles; Love, sacrifice, unity and development.