13 April 2006
Easter is the holiest time of the religious year for our Christian sisters
and brothers. It is a time rich in spiritual symbolism and tradition dating
back to the earliest commemorations of the capture, trial, death and
resurrection of Jesus.
The build up to Easter starts on Ash Wednesday when ash from the palms used
in the previous year's Palm Sunday procession is applied in the sign of the
cross on the foreheads of Christians as a mark of penance. The 40-day period
between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday is called Lent and is observed as a time
of self denial and spiritual learning.
On Palm Sunday Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem is remembered, when
crowds of poor people proclaimed him an earthly King and waved palms of
welcome. On the Thursday night of the Holy Week that followed however, Jesus
celebrated the 'Last Supper' or Jewish Passover meal with his twelve apostles
and then was arrested for treason while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane,
betrayed by Judas.
Jesus was condemned to death by crucifixion by the religious and political
leaders of the day. He carried his own cross to the Place of the Skull on the
outskirts of the city where he was crucified with two thieves on Good Friday.
Churches are stripped bare of ornaments at this time to rep resent the absence
of Jesus.
Christians remember the 'Seven Words of the Cross' and supernatural events
of Good Friday with prayer vigils. A great sadness at Jesus' sacrifice to
reconcile humanity to God prevails. Traditionally, hot cross buns, which
signify the crucifixion, are served on Good Friday.
On Easter Sunday, however, Mary Magdalene's discovery of the empty tomb and
the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is cause for great celebration and
thanksgiving. Easter eggs are exchanged to symbolise the empty tomb.
I wish all who will travel this spiritual journey of Jesus a time of great
meaning and growth. Jesus is respected and loved by so many religions and
teaches us that we gain much more by investing in a better future than seeking
glory for a day.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government
13 April 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)
