Editorial: This season revives spirit, refreshes soul

Thursday was the first day of spring, a signal around these parts for winter visitors to start their mass exodus back to the thawing Midwest.

Today marks Good Friday, a holy day for Christians to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the savior in their religion, and to pray for their own salvation.

Somber ceremonies today will give way to celebrations in churches Sunday as believers rejoice on Easter, when the Bible says Jesus rose from the dead.

Whether you’re religious or not, this time of year represents an interesting moment in the American consciousness. Easter and spring spark thoughts of rebirth.

From a religious point of view, it offers a chance to ask for forgiveness.

From a metaphysical point of view, we shed the cold of winter for the beauty of a magnificent season, with blooming flowers and trees and the smiles of optimism in the community.

This year, the season coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war, a battle fought against Islamic terrorism. The war has cost this country $500 billion and nearly 4,000 lives. It also has resulted in a wave of anti-Islamic sentiment and challenged freedom of religion.

The confluence of spring, the war’s anniversary and Easter weekend have given us pause. We take a moment to remind readers of the importance of tolerance, even at a time when many are at odds with an extreme ideology.

The story of Jesus is one of tolerance, compassion and forgiveness. It’s also about a mob-mentality and an attempt to religious freedom and the right to worship.

Stories from The Bible and the description of Jesus agonizing on the cross for three hours are old and often repeated. But take a second to put them into context. Jesus was trying to deliver an unpopular message. He was sentenced to death.

Does the sad refrain ring a chord in modern times?

As painful as it might be to listen to different beliefs, try to understand through dialogue and restraint. The belief in a religion, no matter how strange of exotic it might seem, is a birthright. It’s a thirst we’re dying to quench. It’s an eternal question, as big as the universe.

On the most somber of days in the Christian religion, we offer up a popular catchphrase: “What would Jesus do?” It is a personal motto for millions of Christians, a reminder to be followed in daily life.

These challenging times come down to the Golden Rule in our estimation: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.”

Whatever your religious beliefs, pray for peace and forgiveness. Extend a hand to someone less fortunate. Try to understand your neighbors and their point of view. It is a time of renewed spirit and rebirth. Reject bigotry. Embrace tolerance.

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