Easter Holiday : Importance in the World

The Christian holiday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While traditions and religious rituals for Easter vary among denominations and across the globe, many Christians observe the holiday through church services and prayer.

Admittedly, it can be difficult to focus on peace and hope and reconciliation on this Easter Sunday. But amid contentious conflicts here and abroad, during a time of war in Europe and an age of seemingly impassable political conflicts between our own citizens, the holiest day on the Christian calendar offers comfort for many.

Christians throughout the world and the nation and our community believe that today marks the rising of Jesus from the dead. In turn, it marks the promise of everlasting life and a redemption from sin.

During his Easter message a year ago, Pope Francis said: “Jesus, the Crucified One, is risen! He stands in the midst of those who mourned him, locked behind closed doors and full of fear and anguish. He comes to them and says: ‘Peace be with you!’ ”

Indeed, we hope for peace for all of humanity. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs or the differences between religions or the atrocities inflicted over millennia in the name of religion, we can find solace in messages of hope espoused by all faiths. As Proverbs 12:20 in the Bible says, “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”

And so, Christians today gather with families and fellow worshippers to celebrate that promise of peace. Many of the traditions to be observed can trace their origin to pagan rituals or to the Jewish holiday of Passover, but the mere date of the celebration is a source of confusion.