Joe Martinez, Ed.D., is a Doctor of Curriculum & Technology, a U.S. Military Veteran, and a San Benito native.
As Easter Sunday approaches, I can’t help but wonder why so many people either refuse to acknowledge Jesus Christ’s Resurrection Day or prefer to believe an alternative reason why we celebrate this blessed holiday.
For some, Easter is a time to gather with family and reflect on our Lord’s sacrifice: how He paid the ultimate price on the cross for our sins, died, and rose again three days later.
Easter is also about celebrating life with family, friends, and the world. It’s a celebration of boundless life and endless hope for rebirth, offering second chances for eternal life with God through Christ Jesus.
For many, Easter is more about culture and springtime, symbolizing new beginnings and celebrating life with family and friends. It involves being festive and enjoying egg hunts with loved ones.
It reminds me of the saying, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”
People of faith believe that the chicken came first because, biblically, God created the heavens and the earth, and all things within them, including humanity and all animals, such as the chicken.
As a result of the creation of life, it is believed that the first humans committed a serious transgression, betraying God’s trust; they chose to disobey His instructions and were thus banished from the Garden of Eden.
Humanity experiences much turmoil due to the disobedience of the first humans, so God decided to give us a second opportunity through His Son, Jesus Christ, who paid the ransom that kept us in bondage, our sins.
Jesus was crucified for our transgressions, died, and on the third day, resurrected, which is the reason for celebrating Easter for people of faith. It is an opportunity to make things right and correct the error of transgression through Christ Jesus.
Conversely, those who do not believe in religion or faith-based practices think the egg came first. They argue that the Earth and everything on it resulted from the Big Bang, took millions of years to form from gases, and that the egg appeared as a result of these cosmic events.
Those who support non-religious practices believe that humanity developed over many years of evolution, with people gradually evolving from apes.
Life was a process of survival of the fittest, based on the teachings and beliefs derived from Charles Darwin’s observations and studies.
Which brings us back to you, the viewer. As you ponder which came first, the chicken or the egg, remember, the debate continues.
No matter what you believe, have a safe and happy Easter Sunday, San Benito!