Holy feast: ‘Easter, the day of triumph over death’

Minister greets the nation on Easter, prays for peace.

LAHORE:

Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael said on Saturday Easter is the day of triumph over death.

In his message on the Easter eve, the minister urged clergy of all churches to pray for peace and serenity in the country.

“It is incumbent [upon us] to pray for the sovereignty, integrity and progress of the country, ahead of personal interests for prayer.”

He also wished Christians a happy Easter on behalf of Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif. He said the day gave human beings the lesson of sacrifice and love.

“We are supposed to play our role for peace, tolerance and love because this is the only way to make Pakistan a heavenly land.”

Bishop of Lahore Alexandar John Mailk said, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the victory over sin and death.”

He said those who exploited religion to achieve their nefarious designs were on the wrong path.

“The real service to humanity is welfare of society work with love, peace and goodwill,” he said.

Malik said a man instinctively yearns for victory over his enemy. “But to achieve this goal, some men indulge in activities which are abominable and lead to self-destruction. In pursuit of success, some men venture into unprecedented mischief which destroys the very fabric of human society.”

He said much destruction was caused by corrupt elements trying to capture world’s resources by corrupt means.

Malik said the importance of Easter was on account of a momentous incident. The celebration, he said, was not concerning a conventional victory.

“It’s related to an important revelation, prophesised by Prophet Hosea in 700 BC in the scripture 13th chapter and 14th verse St Paul in Corinthians 15: 55-57 says ‘Where, O death is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 20^th, 2014.