Greatest gift of all

THIS year Easter and Anzac Day fall together in the same week.

At Easter Christians remember the sacrifice of an innocent man, Jesus Christ: and in his resurrection we believe we have eternal life.

On Anzac Day Australians and New Zealanders remember those who died for our countries in war.

We believe that their deaths enable us to live in freedom and peace.

Those of us who have served in the defence or police forces, especially if we have served overseas, know that there are many reasons why people in uniform serve and put their lives on the line.

But it is not about the money: no soldier or police officer willingly puts their life at risk so someone else can make a profit. Rather, members of the ADF or police serve for the benefit of others: to protect that which is right and to serve their country and their community.

We are in the middle of an election campaign and often such campaigns are not pretty.

Too often there are appeals to our greed, as candidates talk to our wallets rather than to our future.

As we pause from the election for Easter and Anzac Day we are reminded of far higher values. We are reminded of the sacrifice that others have made for us.

Those who made the supreme sacrifice did so not for money but for others: there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend.

We give thanks for all those who have died for us.

The economy is very important but we must remember that money is not an end in itself.

In all the tumult of the election campaign we must serve higher ideals than money.

The attack on the mosque in Christchurch and on the churches in Sri Lanka remind us that there are far more important ideals which are under threat in our world.

We are called to serve our community and each other. In so doing may we be worthy of the sacrifices that others have made for us and be with all who suffer and mourn at this time.

BISHOP KEITH JOSEPH Anglican Diocese of North Queensland