Across the country, scenes of cultural festivity mark the onset of the Easter weekend. Children take to open fields with brightly-coloured kites dancing in the sky; families prepare to indulge in sweet treats and long-awaited getaways, and communities prepare to indulge in light-hearted tradition. Yet, amidst the excitement, it is imperative to pause and acknowledge the true essence of this sacred period — Good Friday, and the message of Easter it heralds.
Easter remains the oldest and most significant observance in the Christian calendar. At its heart lies the story of Jesus Christ, whose crucifixion on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday are more than historical or religious events; they embody a profound spiritual truth and moral compass that resonates beyond creed or denomination. Good Friday is not simply a day of remembrance; it is a moment for deep reflection.
It represents the ultimate act of sacrifice, wherein a man without blame took on the burden of humanity’s transgressions. It underscores a promise of redemption, the triumph of good over evil, and the hope of eternal life through faith and righteous living. This cornerstone of Christian belief offers a message as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago. In the face of modern-day despair, disillusionment, and decay in public morality, Easter’s message of hope and renewal stands as a timeless guide.
Today’s society grapples with an ever-worsening erosion of values. The increase in violence, intolerance, and social disintegration is a cause for concern. In homes, on the streets, in schools, and even within the walls of Parliament, there is too often a glaring absence of the values that promote mutual respect, integrity, and compassion. This spiritual and moral vacuum calls for a rededication to principles long upheld in the teachings of Christ —principles that advocate love for one’s neighbour, forgiveness, humility, and accountability.
Good Friday offers an apt occasion for this rededication. The symbolic choice of Barabbas, a known rogue and criminal, over Jesus Christ, a man whom the Roman Governor himself had declared innocent, is an enduring lesson on the human tendency to favour what is easy and popular over what is right and principled. This cautionary tale is especially relevant to national leadership and all those entrusted with the power to shape society. In the halls of governance and leadership, decorum, civility, and statesmanship must prevail. The language of public officials, the decisions of policymakers, and the conduct of those in high office serve as a mirror for society. When those in power descend into pettiness and hostility, the ripple effects are seen in the attitudes and behaviours of ordinary citizens. Leaders must lead by example —especially in seasons that call for introspection, humility, and a renewal of purpose.
Beyond religious observance, Good Friday and Easter offer a broader societal appeal. They present an opportunity to reset. The enduring message of Easter — of death giving way to new life, of darkness yielding to light — is one that all can embrace. It is a message of resilience, perseverance, and the possibility of change. For a society facing economic uncertainty, rising crime, and cultural fragmentation, the Christian doctrines of love, mercy, and hope can serve as a moral roadmap out of the current crisis.
As this holy weekend unfolds, the kite flying, road trips, and celebrations can certainly continue. But these activities should not obscure the deeper meaning of the season. Rather, they should complement a collective acknowledgement of the need for personal and national renewal.
Good Friday must not be relegated to a mere prelude to Easter festivities, but must be recognised as a solemn milestone in a larger narrative of faith and redemption. A society that fails to grasp the importance of this day risks missing an opportunity for much-needed moral reflection.
Let this be a time for every citizen — regardless of faith — to examine not just the history behind Easter, but the spirit of it. In doing so, there is hope that the enduring message of Easter can once again rise — not only in churches and places of worship — but in homes, communities, and the national conscience.
