P C THOMAS - Amidst the coronavirus crisis, the Christians going through their Holy Week, and concluding their forty days of fast, celebrate Easter or resurrection of Jesus Christ on April 4 this year. During the Holy Week the faithful all over the world remember the suffering, death of Jesus and meditate over the implication of His suffering-death and resurrection to their lives.

Like last year, this 2021 too, the increasing cases of coronavirus infections seem to hamper the Easter Passover celebrations since the churches is once again empty with no mass gathering. Their celebrations, owing to the ongoing pandemic restrictions, take place behind closed-doors of the house. To commemorate the big day, Easter, the faithful tune into their television sets or social media to watch the service prayer.

The Covid19 has interrupted many aspects of our lives, but it has not and cannot prevent people from communicating love to one another. It may actually be providing us a spirit and motivation to let the love one another warmth in our hearts and thrive all the more. What is positive above all else in this time when so much is in doubt, is that nothing can divide us from God's love.

In this corona-ridden Easter, we have also to admit that the suffering is inevitable in life. It is part and parcel of life as Jesus suffered in order to accomplish the goal. We people needed to accept this reality. The good news is that, God is always there in our center both in good and bad times. We just need to submit all our worries, cares to God. God’s help is always there for those who trust in God, whatever be one’s religion.

Though the coronavirus pandemic raises cutting questions about hope and human society, the pandemic response needs more than words of encouragement for those who are suffering. On the other side of Easter, we may not always sense an Easter-reality, but something new will be borne in us, let us hope so.

People all over the world are now living in great uncertainty because of the crises caused by Coronavirus.  In the midst, probably people belonging to different religions may be asking God, ‘Lord why do you allow me to go through all these predicaments and pain that I haven’t expected?” For the Christians, the Bible gives answers to some difficult questions in life. Not only the Bible, but all the religious scriptures are giving the answers to their followers in their difficult times of troubles.

Regarding crises or temptations a quote from St. Paul is very relevant. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1-Corintians 10:13). Reflection and contemplation on this quotation of St. Paul would give the needed strength to the faithful to face the crisis caused by the pandemic Coronavirus.

Let us believe, life will be changed after this corona crisis. That much is for sure. Whether or not it turns out to be a change for the better is somewhat dependent on our ability to have another look at our priorities, make decisions, and form habits in line with what matters most.

This year it is not so easy for us to make a unique Easter greetings and wishes. ‘But if we take a closer look, the resurrection of Christ also took place in secret, no one was present there. The disciples were hiding. Only a woman, Mary Magdalene, dared to go to the tomb to see the risen Christ. The disciples of Emmaus were even walking with the risen Christ and did not recognise Him! Only gradually did the first Church realise the significance of what had happened. ‘Hence, in this extraordinary time of Easter, let wish each other to open our eyes and hearts in order to recognize the many signs of life and resurrection all around us. Happy Easter!!

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