PM’s Easter message
Easter is the most solemn commemoration on the Christian calendar because of the crucifi xion of Jesus Christ. But it is also a time of great joy three days later because as the Bi- ble tells us, Christ rose again from the dead to sit at the right hand of God. The triumph of the resurrection is at the heart of the Christian message. Christians believe that God sacrificed his son for the sins of the world and we are all redeemed by that sacrifice.
In Fiji, the two great events of Easter are commemorated throughout the country - the pain of Christ’s death on the Cross on Good Friday and the resurrection on Easter Sunday. And in the Fijian spirit, we mark that commemoration with public holidays as a general act of solidarity and respect for the beliefs of Christians everywhere. One of the great things about the new Fiji is a heightened appreciation on the part of everyone that while we may take a particular religious path ourselves, the beliefs of others should be respected. And whatever our beliefs, we can all join in the celebrations of others, whether it is the tradition of eating hot cross buns on Good Friday or Easter Eggs on Easter Sunday.
This year especially, we can all be grateful as a nation for God’s mer- cies. Many Fijians have suffered a great deal from Tropical Cyclone
Winston - the loss of loved ones, their homes and possessions. But our faith in God has sustained us. And this Easter, more than most, we ask God’s Blessing on our beloved Fiji and all our people. My wife, Mary, joins me in wishing you all a Happy Easter.