The Easter and Coronavirus
4 April 2020
This article was circulated to all my friends and colleagues -all across the world – under the title : This week.
There is a joy in our heart as we feel the spring in the air. Snow is melting and we can see and enjoy the green grass. From my kitchen window, I daily see squirrels playing/frolicking outdoor on the remaining snow on the ground.
These days , though unfortunately , this beautiful scene is hampered by the fear of the coronavirus pandemic which has recently sprung from China and is devastatingly spreading in our country and other countries of the world. There is lockdown for major activities and movements in all parts of our and many other countries. Only essential services are allowed to operate and with restrictions for keeping physical distance between people to avoid contamination.
Even when we are comfortably isolated in our homes , In reality it is not so comfortable.
These days I feel guilty even using Toilet Paper (TP) – as there was so much rush for the TPs in the stores. People were genuinely trying to stock up somewhat – knowing that this ugly virus situation can get out of hand and supplies can be disrupted. Even eating anything , one is careful and eat only the bare minimum and not make much fuss about taste, colour and presentation .
Life has turned a tad bit upside down . We are not seeing our grandkids and they are also isolated and cannot go to school or meet with their friends .
We have to be careful every time we step outside. There is a significant number of people who transmit that are asymptomatic. “Asymptomatic transmission means you can be infected with the virus, have no symptoms and still be contagious,”
And with this background, the Easter celebration , this year , is coming soon .
Easter is an important festival for the Christians to celebrate. It is a rejoicing holiday which commemorates the resurrection of Lord Jesus from the dead and signifies to the world the love, interest and care of the divinity for the humanity.
Coronavirus is impacting our daily lives . This year’s Easter celebration will be subdued . All our families are isolated at different locations and procuring of chocolates and Easter eggs has become a near dangerous activity at this time.
Easter is always the time when families get together and have fun together in hunt for Easter eggs. A quality time spent with the kids is always a very redeeming activity.
Those of us who are not Christians, the participation in the Easter egg hunt with the kids provide connectivity with the folk tradition of the larger community.
However , this year we need to improvise the celebration either in a ” virtual” world or in a make believe world – but we shall not despair and remember that the Easter infuses hope – which resonates with all of us.
Eggs are a symbol of fertility and rebirth. It also reminds us that no matter what disaster we encounter, there is hope for renewal and resurrection .
I believe that we ( human beings ) will rebuild our lives no matter how much injuries and pain this coronavirus wreaks/inflicts on us
There’s a sense of hopelessness that characterizes the daily lives of most people.
Jesus Christ rising from the dead tells us that there is hope for renewal and resurrection. There is still hope for the world?there is still hope for you.
That is the solid message from the Easter.
The birth of the Jesus signifies that the Creator will not sit idly by and let the world slides into chaos and cruelty.
In our Hindu tradition, God has assured that whenever there is an adverse condition (full of injustice and /or calamity which disturbs the working of established societies), He will surely come on this earth to correct the situation.
We do not need to get despaired or disappointed for this set back due to coronavirus pandemic but look to and get inspired by the message from the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.
The resurrection is at the center of our redemption itself.
I hope that this spring we will contemplate the true meaning of the Easter and work towards respecting and understanding our neighbours and communities around.
We shall always be appreciative and grateful to those many brave volunteers and also service and health personnel who labour round the clock so that we remain safe and secure – and give us space to dream about the coming wonderful tomorrow.
Take Care.
Pravin Shah