The build up to Easter starts on Ash Wednesday when ash from the palms used in the previous year's Palm Sunday procession is applied in the sign of the cross on the foreheads of Christians as a mark of penance. The 40 day period between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday is called Lent and is observed as a time of self denial and spiritual learning.
On Palm Sunday Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem is remembered, when crowds of poor people proclaimed him an earthly King and waved palms of welcome. On the Thursday night of the Holy Week that followed however, Jesus celebrated the 'Last Supper' or Jewish Passover meal with his twelve apostles and then was arrested for treason while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, betrayed by Judas.
Jesus was condemned to death by crucifixion by the religious and political leaders of the day. He carried his own cross to the Place of the Skull on the outskirts of the city where he was crucified with two thieves on Good Friday. Churches are stripped bare of ornaments at this time to rep resent the absence of Jesus.
Christians remember the 'Seven Words of the Cross' and supernatural events of Good Friday with prayer vigils. A great sadness at Jesus' sacrifice to reconcile humanity to God prevails. Traditionally, hot cross buns which signify the crucifixion are served on Good Friday.
On Easter Sunday however, Mary Magdalene's discovery of the empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is cause for great celebration and thanksgiving. Easter eggs are exchanged to symbolize the empty tomb.
I wish all who will travel this spiritual journey of Jesus a time of great meaning and growth. Jesus is respected and loved by so many religions and teaches us that we gain much more by investing in a better future than seeking glory for a day.
Ebrahim RasoolPremier of the Western Cape
