Fellow citizens,
Jesus Christ, described by the Apostle Paul as ‘the author and perfecter of our faith’ and the ‘chief cornerstone’, lived His life as He preached – in love, forgiveness, humility, and faith. Those were the same values with which He faced His death. The fact that Jesus held fast to these values, even as He faced humiliation, pain and death, is reason enough for both Christians and non-Christians to pause and to wonder at His great example. It is therefore entirely right that, at Easter, humanity should pause and should celebrate the life of an individual whose death and resurrection are the bedrock of the Christian faith.
How amazing it is to consider that the Son of God assumed human form, endured undeserved abuse and perished on a cross, despite His great power. How comforting it is to consider that His love for us did not waver or fail, even as he was condemned and persecuted by the very human beings for whom He laid down His life. His undying love for mankind was made clear by His declaration in John 15:13 that, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
Just imagine the country we would create, if each of us were to show love to those who dislike us; to forgive those who have hurt us; to be humble in the face of our accomplishments; and to have faith when the darkness surrounds us. Just imagine the nation we would build, if we did not waver or fail, even as we are condemned and persecuted on account of the very goals for which we toil and sacrifice. There is no doubt that Trinidad and Tobago is an amazingly beautiful nation. But what perhaps we do not fully realise, is how much more infinitely beautiful and impactful our country can become, if each of us practises the values that Jesus taught us.
This Easter, my hope and my prayer is that the universal appeal of Jesus’ example might inspire all citizens, regardless of race, creed or class, to strive to embody the values and principles by which He lived and for which He died.
Let us resolve this Easter to embrace the values and the spirit of Christ as we interact with one another. Let us infuse love into adverse situations, perseverance into times of difficulty, forgiveness when we experience betrayal, and hope when all seems lost. Let us adopt and carry Jesus’ values with us always, bringing light and understanding into dark situations and inspiring others to have faith for the future.
Let us, by doing these things and by being true to these values, build an even better country than the one we so love today.
I extend to the Christian and to the national community best wishes for a happy, holy and hopeful Easter celebration.
