It is Easter today. It is to celebrate the resurrection of Lord Christ on the third day of his Crucifixion at Calvary by the orders of Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor. This day precedes Lent, a 40-day fasting period with prayers and penance. It is worth noting that fasting is ritual followed in all regions and faiths to purge oneself. The last week of Lent is Holy Week. Easter is linked to Jewish Passover when people of Israel were freed by Egyptians. Egg hunting, Easter bunny and Easter parades are customs which are now observed by both Christians and non-Christians, thereby making it a universal celebration. It in fact is symbolic of new life on earth coinciding spring season.

It is significant to note that Pope Benedict in his Saturday (Apr 07, 2012) midnight Easter vigil mass in Vatican declared,

‘Life is stronger than death.
Good is stronger than evil.
Love is stronger than hate.
Truth is stronger than lies.’

The Pontiff further added,

‘The darkness enshrouding God
and obscuring values
is the real threat
to our existence
and to the world in general.’

A strong voice such as Pope’s was heard several centuries back in our ancient land, ‘Lead us from untruth to truth, darkness to light and death to life.’ May Easter bring wisdom, enlightenment, peace and happiness across the world. May good prevail over evil. Happy Easter!