Singapore – a society where a plethora of cultures come together, yet a nation where the hearts of her people beat as one. The real beauty of our nation lies in the magnificent diversity that we exhibit. This has helped our nation to imbibe the values of tolerance and cooperation while also giving us more opportunities to celebrate in various cultural events.
For the more than 1 billion people across the globe who follow the religion of Christianity, this week is of extreme significance. We are all familiar with Christmas and its importance in the Christian religion. However, in Christianity, Easter is regarded as the more important occasion and the run-up to Easter also comprises some of the holiest days for followers. Of special emphasis, is the occasion of ‘Good Friday’. But, what really is the story about this occasion? Is there any message from its commemoration that would be relevant in the current scenario?
The period of Lent and the Holy Week
Jesus Christ is regarded as the most important figure in Christianity. The word Christian means ‘follower of Christ’. The life of Jesus and his teaching form a core part of the belief of the followers. So, what is the story about Jesus? Jesus, who was born in a manger in Bethlehem, is regarded by followers to be the Son of God.
For about 3 years during his adulthood, Jesus is believed to have travelled through his native land and surrounding regions preaching the message of God. In the end, Jesus is said to have been crucified by certain people due to their malicious intentions.
For believers of Christianity, Jesus had laid down his life as a sacrifice so that the sins of all humankind would be forgiven in the sight of God. This act of allowing himself to be crucified is viewed as one of the most selfless expressions of love. On the third day after Jesus is crucified, he is believed to have resurrected. These events are central to Christian religious beliefs.
The events of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection are commemorated during the Holy Week and Easter. But what is the special significance of Good Friday? – That is the day on which the death of Jesus is commemorated. Believers skip meals as a symbol of penance and spend more time in prayer.
About six weeks before Easter, the period of Lent begins. It is a time when believers prepare themselves for the Holy week. Special prayers, acts of fasting and charity are done during the period of Lent.
The pandemic and Good Friday
During Good Friday, massive crowds of the faithful turn up at churches across the globe. Special prayers such as the ‘way of the cross’ are held. During the ‘way of the cross’, large throngs of devotees move in long, slow processions across towns commemorating Jesus’ act of carrying his cross while being led to the place of his crucifixion.
But this year, things are a bit different. Even last year, the traditional Good Friday events were not witnessed due to the pandemic and the constraints that were placed on physical gatherings. This year too, in many parts of the world, restrictions will be in place. To all the Singaporeans who are getting ready to commemorate Good Friday, ensure that you stick to all the adequate precautions.
Time to say no to violence
The Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. This year, Palm Sunday was commemorated on 28th March. On this day, a church in Sulawesi in Indonesia ended up being targeted by suicide bombers. The terror attacks injured around 20 people besides killing the terrorists. In 2019, during Easter Sunday, three churches were bombed by terrorists in Sri Lanka.
These disturbing trends point to a rise in intolerance towards different religions, all across the globe. We need to ensure that our younger generations as well as others around us do not fall into the trap of such divisive ideologies. What can be done here?
There is a fundamental unity in all religions. All try to spread love and create an ideal code of life filled with care, compassion and cooperation. As our kids grow up and hear about the atrocities of terrorism and other crimes, we need to be by their sides and remind them that all such activities are the work of devious minds. We need to be able to show them the right paths and make them understand the beauty of diversity. We need to condition our kids in a manner that they can see and learn from all cultures and religions and adopt the best things from each one of them.
Good Friday, Easter and the Holy Week are at the very fundamental level, a retelling of the power of love and the need to show kindness and compassion to all around us. This was the message that Jesus is credited to have spread throughout his life. We need to remember these aspects as we try to get ourselves out of this pandemic and figure out solutions to the problems that haunt our world today. Let’s always spread the message of love, with kindness and compassion. Wishing everyone a Blessed Easter weekend! 😊
Exam Smart Tips
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