This weekend, we celebrate Easter — a time when we gather in the comfort of our homes to share a meal and enjoy each other's company. It is a joyful occasion, marking the end of winter and the transition into new beginnings, new growth, and new opportunities.

By and large, the holiday serves as a Christian recognition of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, and thus it is a reminder of both sorrow and hope.

Sorrow and sadness are there because the world is not really what we hope for as yet, which is not the least obvious in our present day, when war and violence rage amongst us, with so much pain and anguish in their trail.

This was also true in the days of Jesus, whose message spoke of peace, love, and understanding, both within our community and beyond — a message of sacrificing oneself in the service of the other and the rising above egoic wishes.

Jesus was cruelly killed by the oppressors who feared his message of love. It was sad then, and it is sad today. However, the resurrection adds a profound dimension to the story. There is hope; true love cannot be erased — it is inherent within us.

Thus, we come together in celebration, sharing a meal in the comfort of each other's company.