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EDITORIAL: Easter: Stop being wussies
Religious minorities are suffering from intimidation, intolerance and even hatred from those who believe only their religion should be allowed to exist or that the minority should surrender to the majority.
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A priest smears ash in the forehead of a churchgoer during the procession of Ash Wednesday service at Cathedral church in Central Jakarta on Feb. 14, 2018. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in Christianity where Christians will practice fasting and repentance. It occurs 46 days before Easter. (JP/Jerry Adiguna)
I
n his Palm Sunday sermon at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Pope Francis reminded young people against repeating the behavior of those who cheerfully welcomed Jesus in Jerusalem on Sunday, but only four days later were among those who noisily demanded his crucifixion.
The 81-year-old Francis avoided explicitly citing the nationwide protests by young Americans demanding tighter gun laws one day before the Palm Sunday service. But his message clearly signaled his full support for the movement for tighter gun control, after the powerful National Rifle Assocation launched a massive campaign to drown out the voices of young demonstrators.
“There are many ways to silence young people and make them invisible […] to make them keep quiet, ask nothing, question nothing. There are many ways to sedate them, to keep them from getting involved, to make their dreams flat and dreary, petty and plaintive,” the Catholic supreme leader said. “[…] You have it in you to shout”.
You don’t need to be Catholic to take a lesson from the Pope’s homily, who said young people (all people) should not let anyone manipulate them. The message also applies not only to the youth, but to anyone young at heart, that people should follow their conscience to fight for justice.
Christians the world over are commemorating the Holy Week. It begins with Palm Sunday to recall how the people of Jerusalem shouted Hosanna and treated Jesus like a king. Next they celebrate Maundy Thursday, when Jesus had the Last Supper with his disciples, just before Judas betrayed him. That night, Jewish leaders won their fight to kill Jesus, whom they branded a blasphemer.
Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion. On Saturday, the eve before Easter Sunday, vigils are held, particularly in Catholic churches. Jesus’ ressurection, the Easter, is the very foundation of Christianity.
How about Indonesian Christians? Taking a cue from the Pope, they should not let themselves be silenced by anyone insisting they have the final say on everything in this country, either because of their huge, dominant numbers or because of their clout.
Amid rising intolerance and violence against minorities, including those who believe in Jesus as their savior, as true citizens they should work shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the population to fight for justice and equality for all.
Religious minorities are suffering from intimidation, intolerance and even hatred from those who believe only their religion should be allowed to exist or that the minority should surrender to the majority.
Therefore, this week is a good moment for followers of Jesus Christ to strengthen their role as citizens. They should stop acting like meek, innocent victims. Stop being wussies.
Followers of Christ should rise and enhance their contribution for their nation, not just for their own groups. Most Indonesians are tolerant, moderate and inclusive. The number of intolerant people is indeed rising. But the tendency should not excuse you from serving your nation and country. Happy Easter!
