EASTER GREETINGS

THE resurrection of Jesus, a central tenet of Christianity, is the belief that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead three days after his crucifixion. This event, celebrated as Easter, marks the triumph over death and is seen as the basis for Christian hope and salvation.
The New Testament accounts of the resurrection describe Jesus being crucified, buried and then appearing to his followers on the third day.
The empty tomb is a key element, as it signifies that Jesus’s body was no longer there.
Disciples report seeing Jesus and having experiences with him after his resurrection.
The resurrection demonstrates God’s power over death and sin.
It is believed that through Jesus’s resurrection, humanity can be reconciled with God and have hope for eternal life.
The resurrection is seen as proof that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah.
Christians believe that the resurrection is the foundation of their faith and the reason for the Christian message.
Resurrection: The act of rising from the dead, a concept central to Christianity.
Easter: The Christian festival commemorates the resurrection of Jesus.
Salvation: The state of being saved from sin and eternal death, believed to be achieved through faith in Jesus.
Gospel: The good news of Jesus Christ, including his death, resurrection, and the offer of salvation.
In essence, the resurrection of Jesus is a foundational belief in Christianity, signifying hope, salvation and the triumph of God over death.
Jesus Christ is truly risen. Easter greetings and prayers.
— Pratapananda Naik, sj, Miramar.

A BLAST FROM THE PAST AND A SAD PRESENT
EARLIER this month it was a delight to be back in Goa, my first visit after being bestowed the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status.
I was so very pleased to attend the Golden Jubilee Reunion of our SSC batch at our school Bal Bharati Vidyamandir in my native Ribandar. Meeting up with my fellow students and dear teachers after 50 long years was heart-warming. A flashback of nostalgic memories.
However, on the other side, it was so very distressing to learn that the Home for the Aged, next to Don Bosco High School in Panaji, run by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, was going to be shut down this month end. This was a much needed shelter for the destitute and homeless. An immense solace to the poor, downtrodden and impoverished.
Seven years ago, I had requested the nuns there to house a woman from Ribandar whom they willingly accommodated, and it was a setback to be told that she now had to leave. It was too sudden and at a very short notice. Fortunately, I was able to relocate her to another charitable home in south Goa.
Let us hope that the authorities will do everything possible to restore this institution in Panaji so that the Missionaries of Charity can continue providing the laudable service in helping the underprivileged and needy. May the focus at all times be on care, concern and comfort of the poorest of the poor. Through concrete measures there is need to usher the much-needed succour and solace to these unfortunate brothers and sisters who languish without a shelter.
Nelson Mandela had so very rightly said, “Freedom is meaningless if people cannot put food in their stomachs, if they can have no shelter, if illiteracy and disease continue to dog them.”
— By Aires Rodrigues, London

SADGURU: PURPOSE OF TERRORISM
THE purpose of terrorism is not war but to cripple a society with fear. The aim is to spread pan ic, divide the society, derail the economic growth of the country and create lawlessness at every level. If we want to preserve and nurture the sovereignty of this nation, these elements should be dealth with an iron hand and a steely long-term resolve. There are larger, long-term solutions – more equal distribution of education, economic opportunities, wealth and welfare on all levels. For now, it is of utmost importance to stand together as a nation beyond all narrow devidesidies of religion, caste, creed or political affiliations and to support our security forces at all levels to perform their duties. Our deepest condolences and blessings to all bereaved and injured.

–shared by Saeel Parulekar on behalf of Sadguru