Easter season's contemplations for Indonesians

Easter season's contemplations for Indonesians

By Grace Segran

JAKARTA (JP): Christians during this Easter season commemorate
the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, and his resurrection from
the dead. It is a season for reflecting and rejoicing.

The weeks leading up to the crucifixion are described as the
"Passion". The gospels record the fateful incidents surrounding
the Easter period which could easily make it into the most
current action-packed movie of our day. A tale beginning with a
triumphant entry in Jerusalem, with cleansing of the temple and
disputations with the religious leaders of the day.

A story of stealthy arrest and betrayal. Of power play among
the political elite of the day, of false testimonies and sham
trials. They tell of the mob's fury, miscarried justice, a man
hanging on a cross, a long night of despair, the dawn of hope,
and the days of rejoicing.

For Christians, this was a week that changed the world.
Forever.

When Christians contemplate this season, they are reminded
that many things changed in the unfolding events of Easter,
dramatically and irrevocably.

There was the transformation from enmity to reconciliation. At
the cross Christians believe that the anger of God against sin
was satisfied, and that instead of being his enemies people are
reconciled with God, enabling a restoration of relationship and
love.

There was the replacement of despair with hope. For the
followers of Jesus, their dreams had been dashed with his death.
They had great hopes for a change in their world order. That the
Roman yoke would be overthrown and that they would be a proud
independent nation again. All seemed to have been destroyed at
the cross.

But with the resurrection, dreams were reborn. They realized
that there was now a greater world order, a kingdom had been
established which was even greater than Rome. That the pax Romana
had been replaced by the greater peace of God.

Confusion was turned into clarity. The change from Friday to
Sunday was nothing short of dramatic. From a motley band of
confused, perplexed and uncertain followers, there emerged
enlightened, focused, clear-sighted individuals. It was as though
the scales had fallen from their eyes. They were now certain of
what had taken place, sure of themselves, and clear about what
they had to do in their new roles. They were energized to attempt
great things, and expect great results.

And they moved from passivity to mighty activity. From being
passive learners, waiting for instruction and direction, they
became empowered and were prepared to suffer deprivation and
suffering. Indeed some of them did pay the ultimate price for
what they believed. Christians, of course, believe that they did
not do this of their own strength, but were empowered from above.

Such was the contrast that the three days made.

A word for our times

Is there any lesson from those tumultuous days for our time,
for the here and now?

There is a crying need for reconciliation in the land. Between
ethnic groups who have lived in peace for decades, who are now
hunting each other with the express intention to kill and to
maim. Between people of opposing political persuasions whose
actions result in confusion and discord among the populace.

It is said that politics is the art of the possible. If it is
indeed so, then there is an immense need for compromise and
reconciliation for the greater good. If swords cannot be beaten
into ploughshares at least they can be sheathed, and the
swordsmen can sit down and talk.

There is a need for hope to replace despair. For many this is
a time of darkness, after the euphoria of the liberating promise
of change for the better. For many the circumstances are
unchanged, and eking out a living is equally, if not more,
difficult. The death of hope signals the death of life itself.

There is a pressing requirement for a clear word during these
troubled times. The greatest casualty in recent times appears to
be truth. Amid the babble of voices one does not know who, or
what, to believe. The crisis of confidence begins with the death
of trust. Trust in the leadership, in the institutions, in the
media.

O for light in this darkness, for clarity in this confusion,
for unity of purpose among the elite, for assurance and the
building of belief and trust.

And finally, there is an urgent need for action from people of
all walks - the silent majority who are waiting for things to
fall into place, as though it will happen all by itself. Action
is needed to call for peace, for reconciliation, for an end to
confusion, to turn despair to hope and fear to faith. Not to
bring protest to the streets or to take up arms, which will
further add to the tension and bring more grief. But to
assiduously, patiently, urgently communicate, to talk to one
another and bring reason to the table. And bring back hope.

The Easter message is not just a Christian message. Its truth
is universal. And it is something to be reflected on. This season
and the whole year through.