More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus asked His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” This question was famously answered by the Apostle Peter, who declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This response, according to Jesus, was not based on research or consultation with theological experts, but was a divine revelation. Like Peter, the rest of humanity lives with two warring forces within their souls – one being what God created them to be, and the other being the fallen state that causes them to distrust and reject God. Despite this, Jesus continues to ask the same question to everyone every day.
Easter is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, signifying God’s triumph over death and offering salvation to those who believe in Him. However, even in this sacred context, there is a battle between the secular and the sacred. The secularization of Easter is evident in events like the White House’s annual Easter Egg Roll, where religious symbols and themes are discouraged from being included in children’s artwork. Many question why Easter has become more about eggs, bunnies, and candy rather than Jesus’ resurrection, and why secular symbols are replacing religious significance in the holiday.
The new movie “Cabrini” has received criticism for removing references to Jesus from the character of Mother Cabrini, a Catholic nun known for her devotion to Christ and her charitable works. Despite her ministry being called The Sacred Heart of Jesus, the film portrays her as a woman who did great things without any mention of her faith. This raises concerns about the secularization of religious figures and stories, and how faith is being marginalized in popular culture. The ongoing culture war and attacks on religious beliefs make it important for parents and individuals to exercise caution when dealing with secular symbols and to preserve the true meaning of Easter.
One way to combat the secularization of Easter is by using symbols like the Easter bunny to tell children the story of Jesus’ resurrection. Author Anthony DeStefano’s book, “The Story of the First Easter Bunny,” aims to emphasize the religious significance of Easter rather than its commercial aspects. DeStefano stresses the importance of being mindful of the ongoing culture war that threatens deeply held beliefs, and the need to approach secular symbols with caution. As the question of Jesus, “But who do you say that I am?” continues to echo through history, it is essential for individuals to reaffirm their faith and uphold the true meaning of Easter amidst secular influences and distractions.
