KARACHI: After the 40 days of fasting during Lent and the last two days of intense prayers and reflection while remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, it was time for Christians all over the world to celebrate Easter Sunday.

It was time to leave behind the sadness and rejoice the resurrection of Christ with the firm belief that he will return. Easter is a day to celebrate new life.

The celebrations in Karachi started early with the first service held in the form of a huge midnight mass at the St Patrick’s Cathedral, which was led by the Archbishop of Karachi, Benny Mario Travas.

Delivering his homily on the occasion, the Archbishop said that to understand the resurrection of Christ, one has to have a spiritual uplifting. “How does one get a spiritual uplifting?” He asked.

To answer the question, he said that firstly, one has to have faith in Jesus Christ. Second, one has to undergo a death experience and, third, develop love for one another.

“Once one dwells on these three points, one has a spiritual uplifting. And by having a spiritual uplifting one will understand what the resurrection of Christ is all about,” he added.

“The main reason for turmoil and unrest in the world these days is the lack of the spiritual uplifting experience,” the Archbishop pointed out.

“In Pakistan, why are we suffering, why all the lawlessness and unrest? It is because of the lack of the spiritual experience that we need to undergo,” he said.

Later, during the prayers of the faithful, he prayed for the country, for the government and peace in the world especially in Ukraine, Russia and Palestine.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2024