On this Easter Sunday, Americans wake to church bells, family gatherings, astronauts traveling toward the moon—and politicians speaking of war. Some are worshiping, attending an Easter sunrise service or a mass later in the day, while others are gathering for a family feast with Easter egg hunts and an Easter Bunny theme.
Most Catholics have been on a spiritual journey during the 40 days of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with Easter. Lent is a time of self-reflection, a time when, according to the scriptures, Jesus Christ was tempted by the Devil while fasting in the desert. Christians believe that Jesus Christ, God’s son born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified by Roman authorities after being condemned by religious leaders, and according to scripture, rose from the dead on Easter Sunday to free us from sin. During his short life, by today’s standards, he preached peace, forgiveness, and love.
We also wake up this Easter morning as astronauts are on a mission to the Moon. It has been over 50 years since humans last walked on our Moon. I was at the launch on Wednesday with my son and grandson to witness this historical event. The magnitude of the launch we may take for granted, but the effort by over 100,000 people assembling this complex rocket and successfully getting humans to safely leave our planet for the moon and put in motion the goal of a moon base and eventually launching humans to Mars speaks to what, in my opinion, really makes America great.
For those of my generation, we remember President John F. Kennedy with those challenging words shortly after the first humans went into space: “We choose to go to the moon.” And we did. The pride we all felt as the first person stepped on the moon was forever branded into our being as Americans. It was not without sacrifice. We lost three astronauts in the Apollo 1 prelaunch fire to the shock of many. Later, after 135 shuttle flights, two missions failed, killing all those on board. A reminder of the risks we take to do what some would call the impossible.
As a pilot, I am thankful every time I land safely. As a sailor, on an overnight sail, seeing a sunrise to start a new day, knowing I made it through the dark of the night, is another time of thanks. Just like a rocket, a plane, or a sailboat, we carry with us every person who built it, produced a part, installed it, or maintained it. We also rely upon those not on board with us to help us in an emergency and provide communications, such as our air traffic controllers and those who maintain where we start and end our journey.
On Easter, it is a good time to reflect on what we have as Americans of these United States, a nation influenced by Christian principles but strengthened by the inclusion of people of all faiths and no faith. I would think most of us agree we would rather live in peace. If we apply perhaps the hardest Christian principle—prayer for our enemies—that might include those we do not necessarily agree with. One of the greatest gifts we have as a country is that most of us carry out our lives in peace; we get along with people who may not be of the same political party, worship the same religion, or have no religion, may support opposing sports teams, or may look a bit different.
As a County Commissioner for 22 years, my one overall goal was to do no harm. Politicians are trustees of our community and our nation. We should not do harm to the people we represent. Many politicians are celebrating Easter today. We can only hope they reflect on what many call “the true meaning of Easter.” Easter is a time of rebirth and celebration, but it also calls us to peace rather than endless war. Christians may disagree about whether war is sometimes necessary, but the religion of Easter is not one of conquest or revenge. Easter should remind us that faith calls us first to mercy, sacrifice, and peace.
There is no doubt we have the power to destroy what we want, but at what cost? This Easter morning, as astronauts travel toward the moon and politicians speak of war, perhaps we should remember that the measure of power is not what we can destroy, but what we choose to build. We have the power to reach the moon, but also the power to destroy. Easter asks which use of power reflects our values.
The test of one with power is how they use that power. According to the scriptures, Jesus Christ, the son of God, had the power but allowed himself to be sacrificed on a cross, a horrible way to die, so he could give us life. There are many interpretations of what Christianity is about. I was raised Catholic, and my views are shaped by that faith. I had a friend’s son tell me he was not going to follow some old guy in white robes—the Pope. However, give credit where credit is due. The Pope has reminded us that Christianity is not about conquest or revenge, but about peace, mercy, and reconciliation. He sends a message of love, peace, and prayers for an end to the wars. I agree with the Pope’s message.
This Easter is not a celebration of conquest. It is a celebration of sacrifice, forgiveness, and hope for peace. In a world that too often celebrates power, Easter reminds us to choose mercy.
Joe McClash is the publisher of The Bradenton Times. He is a Marine Corps veteran and served on the Manatee County Commission from 1990 to 2012.
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kmskepton
Lovely message. Thank you. Happy Easter to you and your family (and all of your readers, too!)
Sunday, April 5 Report this
mcems1986
No better commentary than what you authored today. Extremely meaningful today and for the future. Happy Easter to you Commissioner and your team at TBT. Have an enjoyable Easter Sunday as our savior has given us.
Sunday, April 5 Report this
misty
Beautiful. Happy Easter to you and your family, Joe.
Sunday, April 5 Report this
UteKegel
Beautiful Easter message. Wishing you and your family a very happy Easter.
Sunday, April 5 Report this
rayfusco68
I was raised Catholic also, and putting the politics of religion aside, the nuns did a very good job of educating us in catechism classes about the teachings of Jesus Christ. In our society today many would be calling Jesus "WOKE", and he probably was the most "WOKE" person to walk the planet. His teachings were all about love, acceptance, forgiveness and compassion, if this is WOKE count me in.
Sunday, April 5 Report this
mcmplm
This morning at Roser Church out on the island, we conducted an outdoor service at 10 A.M. It was attended by myriad families and their children. It was one of the best attended services in the history of Roser. There were so many they could not have fit inside our sanctuary. So, Joe there are many people out there longing for the message of personal peace and world peace - the timeless message offered by Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Joe, you delivered a beautiful message to us all.
Mike Meehan
Sunday, April 5 Report this
AllForOne
Very nice message!
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