By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
As Guyanese gathered to celebrate Easter, Father John Rodriguez of the St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church delivered a powerful message calling for national unity, peace, and love—values he said are more important now than ever.
“Regardless of who we are, what ethnicity or political background we come from, if we love and reach out to each other, we can change this country—and we can change the world,” Father Rodriguez declared during his Easter sermon.
Easter, he reminded, is not just about kite flying and bun and cheese—it is a spiritual cornerstone of Christianity, marking Jesus Christ’s resurrection three days after his crucifixion. For believers, it’s a time of renewal, forgiveness, and reflection.
A Time to Reflect
Father Rodriguez urged Guyanese to move beyond acts of racism, segregation, and disunity, stating that those behaviors are contrary to the life and message of Jesus.
“It is impossible to say we love God but hate His creation,” he said. “Our mandate is to love one another, to unite, and to live in peace.”
He called on all citizens to embrace the true meaning of Easter by embodying the characteristics of Christ—peace, love, and unity—and not be distracted by only the commercial aspects of the holiday.
Hope Through Challenges
For those struggling with personal challenges, Father Rodriguez offered a message of hope:
“Your challenges are less than Jesus’s victory,” he said. “Because of His resurrection, we too can rise under any circumstances.”
He explained that the popular Guyanese tradition of kite flying during Easter represents Christ’s ascension into heaven, and should be seen as a symbol of victory, renewal, and elevation.
