Easter messages from church leaders

Modern tragedy reminder of ancient reassurance

There is a tree in Banda Aceh that stands dead today. Speak to the villagers and they will tell you the story of up to 50 people desperately clinging to the branches of that tree as the devastating waves of the Tsunami swirled under them and among them on Boxing Day. They live today because of that tree, and it's changed the way they live.

Easter reminds us of another tree, a cross from a tree.

There was a dying there, a sacrifice, as waves of darkness swirled around and engulfed Jesus the Christ.

Speak to those who know of these things: they will tell you that if you cling to the tree where Jesus died, you will live.

An amazing tree of long ago that offers light and life to us in 2005.

And it changes the way you live among others. For some people 2005 includes waves of difficulty and darkness that suck the life out of living, brings pressures and pain in relationships, and has fear and failure knocking on the door.

We can be a strong tree for them, for where there is giving, and a little dying to our own interests, there is life for others. That would be a happy Easter.

* Rt Rev Garry Marquand, Moderator of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

A miracle to upset life's certainties

There are some things we know for sure about Easter.

We know that traffic will be heavy in and out of main centres. We know that some people will probably be killed in traffic accidents, and many more are likely to be injured. We know, therefore, that for many people, this Easter weekend will bring shock and grief.

We know that some retail outlets will find the restraints around trading on Good Friday irksome, even nonsensical.

We know this weekend some people will eat far more hot cross buns and chocolate than nutritionists think is good for them.

We know that, for some people, this Easter holiday will provide much-needed relaxation, time to tidy up the garden.

For others, it will be work as usual, or not enough food for the family as usual, or loneliness and isolation as usual.

And all this because of a Christian festival rich in symbolism, and curious stories of a vacant cross, an empty tomb, and resurrection appearances.

For some Christians these are unquestionable signs of the continuing presence of Christ in human experience.

For others they are powerful symbols that things as we experience them are not all there is to the story, broken bodies and spirits can heal, death and desolation can be transformed.

There is much in our world that needs transformation. Let this Easter be a reminder that life and love may yet startle us into new awareness and experience.

* Dr Lynne Frith, Methodist Church of New Zealand

Crucifixion and resurrection show life winning over death

In a world marked by terrorism and catastrophe, Easter offers a message of hope and love.

The crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday shows the extent of malign influences in the world, both then and now. But his resurrection at Easter shows the triumph of life over death, good over evil.

The Easter message of new life in Jesus brings hope to individuals in times of trauma and loss, and opens the way to justice and peace on the world scene.

Easter congregations remain steady in numbers and other evidence shows people revisiting spirituality as part of their daily life.

People see in Christian faith basic qualities of trust, love, reconciliation and harmony, and recognise these as the building blocks of personal living and global well-being.

Here at Holy Trinity Cathedral we see growing numbers of baptisms and weddings. People seek out the spiritual dimension of life, especially at key points such as birth, marriage and in dying.

At Easter, people reflect on the message of the season. They understand the basics that evil, injustice and loss may be overcome by God's love. They note how the lives of Jesus' disciples were changed in three days from despair to hope, trust and renewed confidence.

* Bishop Richard Randerson, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Assistant Anglican Bishop of Auckland