Easter – A call to everyone to be agents of peace

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Archbishop Peter Loy Chong. Picture: FT FILE

EASTER is not only about the dead body of Jesus returning to life but about how the disciples experienced peace through the spirit, teachings and principles of Jesus, says the head of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong.

His message, made known to students of Holy Family Primary School yesterday during the Easter program, also highlighted Easter as an event that began with the disciples’ experience of Jesus who is the Prince of Peace.

“While Easter is a Christian tradition, it calls everyone to be agents of peace,” Archbishop Chong said.

“The disciples Easter experience took place in the context of Jewish peoples’ historical suffering, oppression and hope for liberation.

“Ever since Israel was exiled in Babylon (587BC), Jews were attacked, conquered and oppressed and through the prophets, Israel looked forward to their liberation when God would send a messiah.”

Archbishop Chong said on the first Easter Sunday, the risen Jesus greeted His disciples with the Hebrew greeting of ‘Shalom’ which meant peace.

“Shalom means the fullness of life and Jesus’ life teachings, miracles, suffering, death and resurrection gave His disciples new meaning, liberation and hope,” he said.

“They experienced Jesus as the Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah, the Liberator and Son of God.

“In Jesus they found life that was worth living and dying for.”

Archbishop Chong said there was no peace if there was war and violence.

The students also performed items and a drama portraying the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Mount Calvary.

Their drama stirred emotions as parents shed silent tears when students yelled out in the act, “Crucify him, crucify him”.

A student who played the role of Jesus carried the cross while other students who wore military uniforms whipped Him as He carried His Cross.

Catholic faithfuls in Lautoka take part in a procession to mark the beginning of Easter Friday:

 

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