Easter, the feast that serves as the foundation of Christian belief, is celebrated on April 20 this year. It comes as the culmination of the 40-day long fasting, abstinence, prayer and sacrifices observed by every devout Christian. This 40-day special observance is known as Lent, a time of spiritual preparation and personal renewal. The last week of this month- and- a-half-long period of preparation is most important, because it is during this week that Jesus went through the most crucial moments of his earthly life. The Sunday before his death on the cross he had entered into the holy city of Jerusalem in the most triumphant manner; people thronged to meet with him and they liberally sang his praises hoping that He would be crowned as their king. But destiny had something else for him and for the rest of human history.Jesus was the most admired as well as feared person in Palestine at that time. He was much sought after by everyone because he could heal the sick, raise the dead to life, make the lame walk, and the blind see. He had grown in popularity and stature on account of his divine qualities and wisdom that no one could surpass. His fame and stature had at the same time become an irritant for the Roman authorities who sought ways and means to get rid of him. He was perceived to be a threat to their temporal desires and plans. Although Jesus had made it very clear that he was not interested in the kingdom of this world, he was not believed by them. In fact, Jesus consistently refused to accept any temporal honours and position. He always said, ‘‘I have come to fulfil my heavenly Father’s will on earth.’’ Jesus therefore, counted everything on earth meaningful only in relation to that heavenly vision that he always kept in his mind. His unconventional lifestyle, teachings and work brought him more and more into conflict with the powers that be, both temporal and religious. But Jesus never detracted from his God-given path.The net result of that determination and resolve was that he had to accept death on a cross. He had to suffer grievously at the hands of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, the Pharasees and others opposed to him. Although Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent, he condemned him to die on a cross at the demand of the frenzied crowd. Jesus died a heroic death on the cross. While hanging on the cross, the crowds around him mocked and jeered him. But He did not utter a single word; instead he prayed for them saying, ‘‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’’ Even in the midst of extreme humiliation, pain and suffering, Jesus forgave his torturers and executioners.
