By Ravena Gildharie

EASTER is here, and despite varying cultures or religions, everyone is sure to be part of the observances. Whether, it’s the religious services, kite-flying, picnics or social gatherings with family, relatives or friends, Easter is undoubtedly a momentous occasion. But what of its significance? Does it still transcend the inspirational messages and meaning that Easter implies?

As soon as February is over, the airwaves and televisions are saturated with advertisements of parties and sporting sessions, most often promoting bacchanal-style festivities. From boat cruises to the increasingly popular ‘stink and dutty wet-fetes’, the fun and frolic are plentiful.

On the subtle side, there are many special church services, and families decked in their finest outfits, congregate to mark the occasion. The longstanding message – “Jesus is risen!” But does it move us? And if it does, what does it teaches us?
This week, the Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Rev. Godfrey Veerasammy to explore the meaning, message and expectations of Easter, one of the most important festivals on the Christian calendar.

Describing the festival as the “cornerstone of Christian faith” Rev. Veerasammy explained its source “in the ancient feast of the Passover, the commemoration of the liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery. By his resurrection, Jesus Christ has set us free from the slavery of sin and death, and has opened before us the way to eternal life.”
This reality, he added, “changes the pattern of human life as it is no longer limited by the cycle of birth to death in this world…God has made his love for us abundantly clear.”

THE MESSAGE OF JESUS’ RESURRECTION
In the Catholic Faith, Easter is a seven-week season of joy and grace starting with the ‘Triduum’ in ‘Holy Week’ and ending with ‘Pentecost Sunday’, this 50-day season has been called “the radiant centre of the liturgical year.”
“We keep celebrating so that we might continue to enter into the meaning of the resurrection and to deepen the way it touches our daily lives,” Rev. Veerasammy indicated.
He advocated that in “every age, the Risen Shepherd tirelessly seeks us, his brothers and sisters, wandering in the deserts of this world…He goes in search of all those lost in the labyrinths of loneliness and marginalisation. He comes to meet them through our brothers and sisters who treat them with respect and kindness, and help them to hear his voice,
an unforgettable voice, a voice calling them back to friendship with God.”
Continuing his message, the Reverend related that “He (God) takes upon himself all those victimised by old and new forms of slavery, inhuman labour, illegal trafficking, exploitation and discrimination, and grave forms of addiction. He takes upon himself children and adolescents deprived of their carefree innocence and exploited, and those deeply hurt by acts of violence that take place within the walls of their own home.”
In essence, “Easter celebrations are about hope,” and according to the Reverend, everyone is invited “to become the yeast in the dough helping others in our community, family, and by extension country and the world who desperately need to rise: up and out from the various forms of death, paralysis, fear, anxiety, violence. (…).”

THE INSPIRATION OF EASTER
The underlining expectation is that the Easter message can inspire people to do good deeds and make valuable contributions to better the lives of others.
On the lighter side of the celebration of hope, is the ‘kite flying’ that usually lines the seawalls and open spaces/fields – a symbolism many people seem to link to Jesus’ rising from the dead. This also goes along with the Church going, family gathering, food and conversations- what the Reverend dubs “good old time gaffing.”

BOYHOOD DAYS
Reminiscing on his memories of past Easter celebrations, Veerasammy recalls boyhood days making the kite and pasting with ‘gamma cherry’, going in search for the ‘right piece of bamboo’ to make the head, and the string/twine so that – the ‘star point’ and ‘bat ears’ would fly well.

“Years later, I had a chance to listen to Caribbean raconteurs and social commentator, Paul Keens- Douglas’ ‘String Bank’; brought back floods of laughter of the lighter side, Easter celebration,” he said.

It is the Reverend’s hope that this Easter will stir the reaction intended with messages of hope. “As we continue to celebrate this hopeful season may the Risen Lord guide the steps of all those who work for justice and peace, sustain the efforts of all those who, are committed to ensuring the common good of societies,” Veerasammy
stated.