Barbados can rise again, says Anglican Bishop

Some of the island’s most prominent church leaders have urged Barbadians to leverage the message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to bring them hope in the midst of the economic, health and social challenges facing this new republican nation.

While identifying a litany of woes which are adversely impacting Barbados at this time, Anglican Bishop Reverend Michael Maxwell suggested in his Easter message on Thursday, that this country can nevertheless take heart that it can rise to life again in the same way Jesus conquered death through his resurrection.

“The backdrop to that first Easter illustrates that our loving God is always at work – even in the midst of the negative experiences of our lives – to ensure that righteousness, joy and peace triumph over the evil, sorrow and pain we endure,” Bishop  Maxwell said.

“Therefore, we should feel encouraged today being mindful of, and forever holding fast to the truth that our God has the power to give newness of life not simply following our physical death, but also as we experience death-like situations in our lives from time to time,” the Anglican Church leader declared.

He said that the truth of Jesus’ resurrection affirms that when life has been shattered through tragedy and pain, the only sure hope and deliverance for the future lies in what God alone can do when people respond in faith to Him.

“If then, as individuals and as a nation, we desire to be empowered to overcome whatever challenges confront us and be given the victory, we ought, as Jesus our Lord did, to commend our spirit and the spirit of our nation into the loving, powerful, steadfast hand of God, that He may raise us up, despite the circumstances, to be more than we ever thought or could be in our own strength.

“This,” Bishop Maxwell added, “is the salient point of the resurrection message for us to take and reflect on at this time. Let us be ever mindful of the importance of commending our lives and our nation to God, as we press on into the future to be the nation God desires us to be as a people.”

Roman Catholic Bishop of Bridgetown Reverend Neil Scantlebury also referenced the triumph implicit in the resurrection narrative as an analogy from which to draw strength, courage and hope in overcoming the difficulties being experienced in the island.

“As Mary returned to the tomb that first Easter Sunday morning, she wondered who would roll back the stone, not realising that the stone had already been rolled away. In the same way, today’s ‘stones’ in the form of fear, anxiety, and the complexities of COVID-19 pandemic that held us in our “tombs,” have been rolled back,” Bishop Scantlebury added.

He noted that the resurrection has profound meaning for the country as it deals with the challenges of today’s world, in that the last enemy, death has been defeated.

“Sin can no longer hold us captive. Jesus has broken the shackles and chains, and we are set free. However, it is not freedom to return to a sinful way of life; rather, it is freedom as the sons and daughters of God. Where sin and temptation abound, the resurrection over-abounds with grace to assist us to say ‘no’ to the devil, the world and the flesh,” he said.

“We can assuredly summon the grace of God; we do not have to live a life of thievery, lies, adultery, homosexual activity, pride, anger and murder. We are free to live our lives in joy, forgiveness and peace, while radiating the love of God and love of neighbour,” Rev Scantlebury pointed out.

He suggested that Barbadians should always recognise and give thanks for what Jesus has done for them, their family and friends.

“Be missionaries of hope. Show kindness, share some food, shelter, clothing or comfort with persons in need. Be patient and compassionate with your spouse, children and colleagues. Importantly, spend time in prayer, praising and thanking God: make your petitions for yourself and others known to Him,” the Roman Catholic Bishop urged.

And Chairman of the umbrella Barbados Christian Council (BXC) Rev Dr Cicely Athill-Horsford also asked that nationals reflect on the message of the resurrection and renew their commitment to what gives meaning to their lives in the ways they interact with the world around them.

She suggested that residents be encouraged to hold faith in the resurrection and to adopt the mantra, “do not be afraid”.

“Let this year be a celebration of our faith and tenacity and our renewal of the message of hope and light.  Let the light of resurrection shine ever before us.  Let us continue to invoke that divine light, that the resurrection may shine from within us and that our thoughts, attitudes, words and actions may demonstrate powerfully to our world that we have seen the Lord,” the chairman urged.

“Notice how our faith has endured the rigours of the COVID-19 pandemic, how we have adjusted and persevered through our faith.  We have overcome several health issues and confronted death as our loved ones transitioned to life eternal,” the church leader stressed.
(EJ)