I bring you warm greetings from the Conference Office, Wesley Towers on this festive occasion.
I use this opportunity to wish His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, The President of the Republic and Her Excellency Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, The Vice President, who is a member of The Methodist Church Ghana, well, particularly praying for the restoration of her health.
Reflection on Easter
The season of Easter is here with us again and this affords us another opportunity to reflect on our lives as individuals, churches, communities and indeed as a nation.
Christians across the world pause at Easter to celebrate the life of Jesus Christ and to reflect on his death and resurrection.
We are always reminded at Easter that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and that he is with us as we walk along the road of life.
On Good Friday, Jesus faced the worst that can happen to a person, a community, a nation and the world.
Christ was betrayed by his friends, mocked, falsely accused and finally tortured and murdered. Maybe worst of all, he felt completely abandoned by those he had trusted. This was all because he stood for the truth. On this fateful day, it was truth that was crucified!
But Easter Day showed that he had not been abandoned at all. Despite his feeling of loneliness, God was with him after all. Loneliness, pain and suffering are real.
But they can never separate us from God’s love. Such unshakeable love frees us from fear and anxiety and releases us to do good for others.
Easter: New Life with a New Mindset
Easter represents a chance to start anew, addressing issues such as:
- Environmental Concerns: Galamsey and water pollution
- Social Issues: Carnage on roads, bribery, corruption, and extreme partisanship
- Moral Decadence: LGBTQAI+++ issues, considered abominable in Ghanaian cultural norms
Easter as a Season of Hope and Transformation
The Easter story empowers us to live with hope, trust, and forgiveness, focusing on life’s possibilities rather than limitations. By renewing our minds, we can:
- Triumph over fears and insecurities
- Live with honesty and integrity
- Consecrate our jobs to God, spreading peace and love
Conclusion
The Easter story is a powerful testament to God’s love and redemption, reminding us of the sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ. Consequently, the Easter season facilitates a deeper intimacy in our walk with God and with one another.
May the empty tomb remind us of the hope and promise of new life in Christ. May the resurrection power of Jesus transform our hearts, minds, and lives.
Let us strive to live out the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness that Jesus embodied. May His teachings guide us as we navigate the complexities of life.
Wishing you a blessed, joyous, and reflective Easter celebration!
May God bless and keep you. Shalom!
Most Rev’d Prof. J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu
Presiding Bishop, The Methodist Church Ghana