Editorial:
Christians throughout the world, this weekend, are celebrating what is known as the Paschal Mystery. It is the terminology which embodies and expresses the mysterious Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Jesus – the Christ as one great act for the Salvation of humankind.
Recent unholy events in Spice country have led many of the Grenadian people to believe that Grenada is sitting on a time-bomb, ready to explode at any time. However, self-proclaimed prophets and “dreamers” have been appearing in the local print and electronic media warning the Grenadian people about impending catastrophe but that Grenada would be spared if its people turn to God. It is in this context that this weekend’s Christian celebrations must be viewed.
In the wake of an upsurge in violence, the country has been called to a National Day of Prayer. It would seem that the same tongues which make that emotional and reactive call are the same tongues which are tearing others to pieces at official forums in high places, thus rendering Christianity and religion a joke at the highest level. Certainly, if the Holy Seasons of Lent and Easter were in the minds, hearts and tongues of some of the nation’s church-going politicians, they would have known how to take GOD seriously.
The people of Grenada are under tremendous pressure trying to make ends meet with the high and rising cost of living. Added to that is the fear which resonates throughout the country due to violence. People are looking for some form of relief, reprieve or consolation. Many were hopeful that the Prime Minister’s last address to the nation would have ushered in some optimism but it seems that the Grenadian people were left worse off.
The frown on the forehead and face, the hostile expressions and the harsh tone of presentation were all tailored to confrontation and violence. How can the nation’s leaders, in the same breath and with the same tongue, sincerely and convincingly call for peace and the strengthening of the family? Do the nation’s leaders believe that the Grenadian people are so dumb as not to identify and suspect the hypocrisy?
Prominent female personalities were invited to a grand gospel concert in Gouyave in recognition of Women’s Day. However, they quite rightly and understandably turned down the invitation because, since they have to “sing for their supper”, they ought not to be seen soiling themselves with paint of gold lest they would be deemed “undesirables” unworthy of dinner and be disciplined at the highest level.
The Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs and the Government have failed to set the nation’s current problems and concerns within the context of the Holy Season of Easter. Once upon a time, just before the major news on a radio station in Trinidad, the announcer would say “Today is Sunday and Church is for everyone; attend the Church of your Faith”. One television anchorman in the United States would look at the camera (the audience) and say: “The time is 10.00 p.m. Do you know where your children are?”
Are these not worthy examples to copy? It would seem that the preferred way is to copy the filth and garbage, that which dehumanizes and degrades, that which makes for long-term problems difficult to address.
As a Christian country, the Grenadian people would be well advised to take their troubles to the Paschal Mystery this Easter weekend. Do not get carried away by excessive alcoholic drinking, sexual misconduct and violent behaviour. Let the Easter season be joyful and incident-free. The Grenada Informer wishes Happy Easter to all.
