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 That the pax Romana had been replaced by the greater peace of God.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.