MESSAGE TO THE NATION
FROM DR THE HONOURABLE KEITH ROWLEY
PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
ON THE OCCASION OF EASTER 2024
“Jesus Christ has risen” that is the cry of exaltation of millions of Christians, across the world today.
The Government of the Republic, my family and myself, as Prime Minister, extend greetings to the Christian community, adding our voices to that exaltation that Jesus Christ has risen.
It is a glorious period for the Christian community, which on Thursday recounted Christ’s Last Supper, his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, his betrayal, and abandonment, then his trial, humiliation, and crucifixion on Good Friday.
Today is his resurrection, which Christians celebrate as His return to remind his disciples to spread His word throughout the land.
“Doubting Thomas” is a significant part of this narrative. Thomas, an Apostle of Christ, refused to accept the account of the other ten Apostles that Christ had risen, until he saw and placed his fingers in the wounds of Christ.
Thomas’ scepticism has been carried throughout the ages and is so relevant in our lives today. He represents the many among us, who refuse to accept the impotence of us humans in the face of the mysteries of God.
Man has created a modern world, and in it, he can trace the advances made in technology, economics, politics, the sciences, the workplace, fashion, the arts and a new consciousness in how we think and feel. In short, modernity has brought both radical changes, yet radical uncertainties to our lives. Some maintain that the ongoing creation of scientific evidence is the new authority; it has given man mastery of himself, over nature, and maybe, ultimately, over death. Some say that we are moving to a state when God will be replaced with algorithms.
But there is a downside. Modernity has brought what some say are certain “diseases”. While there is an improved quality of life –better than our parents — there are emotional costs.
We can sense the separation among us. Many among us feel alienated; they live close to us, yet remain separate, unknown, indifferent and strangers in our neighbourhoods, our workplace, the market, and the church.
Urban living has meant the loss of a sense of community living. Many people just exist – living lonely and alone lives, without friendly connections, carrying daily empty feelings, adrift in a spinning secular world.
At the same time, there are reports of a decline in church attendance and organised worship.
But prayer and divine worship have been part of man’s emotional health, and historical existence. We all need to recognise the limitations of our humanity and undertake our personal spiritual journey.
Today is a glorious day to return to God, to reaffirm the presence of the Almighty in your life. Call out to him, by whatever name you may know – just reach out to God.
Today, Glorious Easter Sunday, regardless of where you sit, is a great day to start your inner journey.
