Reflecting on Easter - Not the cute bunny ; )
Easter is a little bit like Christmas because it has a commercial component to it, especially in North America where the Easter Bunny seen on this shot makes kids glad with treats, but at the same time it distracts from the true meaning of the celebration. You see Easter is truly not about a bunny, but about a huge miracle that according to hundreds of witnesses did happen 2 thousands years ago.
Arguably Easter is also the most important Christian Holiday in the whole year. The reason is that it celebrates the resurrection of Christ, and the good news of salvation for all mankind. The word origin of Easter and the date have been a little controversial, some suggesting that it relates to a Spring pagan tradition, but lately overwhelming evidence confirms it actually comes from an old Germanic word “eostarum” from the latin “albis” which means dawn. Since Christ resurrected and appeared at dawn (St. Mathew 28:1) this makes perfect sense, and Encyclopaedia Brittanica agrees.
Near this date also Jewish tradition celebrates Passover, the great miracle that made it possible for them to escape Egypt. So it is a special time for faith, a very special time for yours truly, and if you are a little interested in this great miracle, even if you are not a Christian, read the account below, or better yet visit a Christian church next week on Resurrection Sunday. Below is St. Matthew’s account of the miracle:
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.’
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
