Easter prayer for Sarawak and her citizens I am writing this on Holy Week – a time for Christians to think, feel and be holy. It’s one week when Christians should be most charitable, give alms, be exceptionally kind and generous, speak no evil against others and avoid sin at all costs.
Easter marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, and it contains Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Easter Sunday commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord. Easter is followed by a 50-day period called Eastertide or the Easter Season, ending with Pentecost Sunday.
To the Catholic Church, Easter is considered the most important feast in its calendar. In Malaysia, Christmas is more synonymous with Christianity but for Christians, it is Easter which takes precedence over Christmas.
The foundation of the Christian faith is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Easter Sunday therefore, while secular society occupies itself with eggs and rabbits, the Christian church celebrates God’s great triumph over sin, death, and the devil with the ancient greeting: Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Good Friday has been a public holiday for Sarawak and Sabah for decades because of the large Christian population in the two states.
Perhaps it should also be a public holiday in Peninsular Malaysia too as more and more Malaysians have embraced the Christian faith.
It’s coincidental that the aftermath of the Sarawak election saw the entry of Holy Week. Many politicians in the state are Christians and by and large, most have attempted to keep the week holy with little mudslinging in public and venom spewing against each other. We only hear of minor disagreements among political parties and the normal allegations of electoral fraud which is not too bad.
I think that all Christian politicians should call a truce and refrain from attacking each other during Easter Week. What is wining or losing a seat and holding a public post compared to the ultimate sacrifice of the Saviour and Lord who gave His life and died on the Cross to redeem all mankind.
For politicians, there is an election in every five years when you can have another shot at getting elected again. For Jesus, He did not have a second chance. His was the ultimate sacrifice.
Many may be disappointed with the results of the just-concluded Sarawak election. There are also others who are basking in glory in their victory and new-found status.
Whatever it is, it may be prudent to remind all those elected not to think too highly of themselves now that they have been elected as state assembly members. The key word for them to remember is that they are ‘people’s representatives’. In other words, they are elected to serve the people, they are actually servants of the people – the people who voted for them are the bosses, not those elected.
So to the new YBs, let me say this to you: Do not get cocky or be a show-off. There is no need to attempt to live up to your new status by building a big house or buying a flashy car. There is no need to sign up to be a member of a few exclusive clubs or travel first-class. Just live your life as usual, be yourself and don’t lose your head.
I know of a few opposition MPs in West Malaysia who now turn up at functions in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes. Previously, they used to hang around mamak stalls enjoying teh tarik with all and sundry. There are also others seen regularly at exclusive golf clubs. Surely, there is no necessity to be so ‘showy’. Becoming a YB should make one more humble, not the other way round.
Well, I wish to start my Easter Vigil today with a thought for the newly elected YBs to stay on course and live up to their duties and responsibilities as elected representatives.
Let us be mindful that we live in a blessed land that was founded on a Constitution based on biblical principles and principles of a belief in God and a belief that the truth will set men free.
On this Christian feast, it is important to pray that every man, woman and child would have the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as their saviour.
Let us all humbly encourage all citizens of faith to turn to God so that we may open our hearts in thanksgiving for the blessings we received and to seek strength, wisdom, and encouragement to build a better Sarawak for all.
Sarawak has a rich Christian history and what a gift it is to know that God has blessed us with the right to pray, teach and practice our beliefs in this great home land of ours.
We also pray for those who lead and govern us that God may fill them with wisdom and courage to rule in a fair and just manner.
Finally, let us pray for the strength to continue to stand boldly against tyranny, corruption and abuse of power. We must never forget that our democratic rights are given by God and that they are hated by unfaithful men.
Lord, bless Sarawak and bless all her good citizens.