Today, millions of Christians will go to churches world over to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ, after he was crucified and died on the cross at Calvary. Scriptures underscore that through Jesus’ death on the cross, salvation of millions was secured and provided the only way God could forgive sin without compromising His holiness and perfect righteousness, according to the scriptures. Christian church leaders have urged believers to be reminded of Christ’s “ultimate price” in pursuit of not only eternal life but also for hope, peace and love to the living. Fr. Celestin Hakizimana, Bishop of Gikongoro and Cyangugu Dioceses told Sunday Times that Easter Sunday is a reminder that Jesus defeated death – a symbol of victory for life over death hence a need for renewed resolve for humanity. “Death is a bridge to a new life. We must live to know that indeed this world is not our home which is why we must live diligently, in harmony and with a purpose for wellbeing to humanity and all the living things,” Bishop Hakizimana said. According to Hakizimana, every person should strive to make the world “a paradise” and fulfill God’s purpose for creating humanity and sending his son to die for His people. “Even amidst trials and temptations, we must strive and endure in good faith because there is certainly life after death. We must be hopeful and positive as we live,” the Catholic Bishop added. As for Amos Kajuga, the Associate Pastor at Christian Life Assembly (CLA), Easter is a testament that the “redeemer “ is a live and watching over His people, urging Rwandan believers to be refreshed by the season. “Easter is here with us and it is a constant reminder that Jesus is risen and reigns forever. It is a testimony that we have a redeemer to run to in all aspects of life. Happy Easter to all Rwandans and may we both as a Nation and individuals see renewal and be refreshed during this season, Kajuga noted. Bishop Manasseh Gahima of Gahini Diocese on the other hand said that the recent crackdown on substandard churches across the country was a blessing in disguise as it prepared some churches to celebrate Christ’s resurrection in well-organized premises. “I know there are a lot of churches across the country are undergoing refurbishment due to recent exercise to check on places of worship which did not meet basic infrastructure, fell short of hygiene, safety standards. But I want to believe that it was for the common good because it is important that we celebrate and rejoice such a significant day in the Christian calendar from honourable places that represent the paradise that we look forward too after earthly life,” Gahima said. Pope Francis, also tweeted on Friday that, through Christ’s crucifixion and death, “our hope for eternal life is born in Him.” Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of Anglican church, Justin Welby, tweeted yesterday saying, “#HolySaturday is a day for solidarity with all those who are walking in darkness – to weep with those who weep. Its a day to ask: how can I extend my care for those who can’t see where hope is going to come from?.” Easter, also called Pascha (Greek, Latin) or Resurrection Sunday, is a festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial after his death at the hands of the Romans at Calvary.
