From pulpit to picnic: Easter’s double meaning

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
EASTER stands as one of the most sacred moments on the Christian calendar, a time that calls believers to pause, reflect and reconnect with the foundation of their faith.
Rooted in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is a season that speaks of sacrifice, redemption and the promise of new life.
For many, it is more than just a holiday, it is a deeply spiritual reminder of love, grace and the call to live righteously. Yet beyond the sermons and scriptures, Easter has also become a time for families to gather, rest and reconnect.
In a fast-paced world where work demands and school pressures often pull families apart, the long holiday offers a rare opportunity to slow down.
It is within this intersection, between sacred reflection and modern living, that the meaning of Easter in Zimbabwe is quietly evolving.
For Pastor Munyaradzi Katandika of Jabula Covenant Life Ministries, Easter remains firmly anchored in its spiritual significance, even as he acknowledges the shifting ways in which it is observed.
“Easter for me as a pastor is the foundation of Christianity. It gives us an indication to self-reflect on our behaviour, our character and our way of life versus the price that was paid for our redemption through Jesus Christ,” he said.
Drawing from scriptures such as John 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Pastor Katandika emphasised that Easter is, not merely a celebration, but a call to transformation.
“It is a celebration that has to drive us to become better people, people of love, truth and faithfulness. In simple terms, it calls us to righteousness,” he said.
However, away from the pulpit, the young pastor also experiences Easter through another lens, that of a father navigating the realities of modern family life.
“As a father, Easter is an opportunity for a family get-together. With our busy schedules at work and the demands placed on children by the education system, families are spending less time together. So this holiday gives us that much-needed time to be together,” he explained.
His sentiments echo those of many Zimbabwean families who now view Easter as both a spiritual and social reprieve.
In an interview, Mrs Tariro Muchengeti, of Chikanga, said Easter has become one of the few moments when her entire family can pause and reconnect.
“To be honest, we look forward to Easter because it is one of the few times we can travel as a family. During the year, everyone will be busy, the children have school and extra lessons, and we are tied up with work. So Easter gives us that chance to sit together, share meals and just be present as a family,” she said.
She added that while church remains part of their programme, the reality of modern life has shifted priorities.
“We will attend church service, especially on Sunday, but a lot of the time is spent visiting relatives and catching up. Sometimes you realise the holiday ends before you have even fully rested,” she said.
Another Mutare resident, Miss Chipo Mungure said the meaning of Easter has taken on a different dimension altogether.
“Growing up, Easter was more structured, we would go to church with family, and there was a sense of routine. Now it feels more flexible. It is about taking a break, meeting friends, travelling if you can, and just relaxing,” she said.
She noted that for many young people, the spiritual message is still present, but not always central.
“I think the meaning is still there, but it competes with a lot of other things, social life, entertainment and just the need to unwind. For some, church is one part of the holiday, not the whole of it,” she said.
Beyond Christianity, Easter is also being embraced in different ways by those who follow African Traditional Religion, further broadening its social significance.
Mr Kudzai Dhliwayo, who identifies with traditional beliefs, said the Easter holiday holds cultural importance as a time for family reconnection.
“For us, it is not about the religious meaning of Easter, but the opportunity it brings. This is the time when everyone is off from work and school, so it becomes easier to go back to the rural areas,” he said.
He explained that such gatherings are vital in maintaining family ties and cultural identity.
“We use that time to visit elders, maintain homesteads and sometimes even hold family meetings. It is important because during the year, people are scattered in towns and cities. Easter brings everyone back home,” he said.
Mr Dhliwayo added that the period is also used for reflection, albeit in a different context.
“It is a time to reconnect with our roots, to remember where we come from and to strengthen family unity. So even though it is not our religious holiday, it still has meaning for us,” he said.
Back in his own home, Pastor Katandika says he is intentional about striking a balance between these competing demands.
“We always try to balance rest and family time with spiritual growth, but more time is devoted to the spiritual side,” he said.
That balance, however, requires effort especially when raising children in a world filled with competing influences.
“My kids are among the lucky ones because they are growing up understanding the work God has done through Jesus Christ. The knowledge I have acquired over the years of ministry, I have been feeding it to them on a daily basis,” he said.
Reflecting on his own childhood, he acknowledges a stark contrast.
“Growing up, Easter for me was about food and fun. I did not really pay attention to the message, and no one sat me down to explain its importance. But now, my children are growing up understanding what Easter truly means,” he said.
This generational shift highlights a broader conversation about how values are passed down and preserved in an increasingly fast-changing society.
At the same time, the demands of modern life continue to create tension, particularly when it comes to balancing church commitments with other obligations.
“There is a lot of friction. Churches hold conferences that require people to travel and attend for several days, but at the same time, you may have work commitments or family responsibilities elsewhere,” Pastor Katandika admitted.
Despite these challenges, he remains encouraged by the role young people are playing within the church.
“Young congregants are very active. They are involved in different roles, some are masters of ceremony, some are in praise and worship, others preach or contribute financially. It is important to engage them and allow them to use their God-given talents,” he said.
As Zimbabwe continues to navigate changing social and economic landscapes, Easter remains a powerful moment of reflection, one that carries both spiritual depth and social significance across different beliefs and lifestyles.
For Pastor Katandika, the message is clear and enduring.
“I would like to encourage Zimbabwean families to uphold the values and importance of Easter. Let us make time to teach one another that we are loved by God, regardless of our situations.
“Because of that love, Christ Jesus was given so that we may be reborn into righteousness. So let us love, support and protect one another. We are one people,” he said.
In a season often marked by both devotion and distraction, Easter continues to reveal itself not only as a religious observance, but as a mirror of society which reflects faith, family, culture and the evolving ways in which people find meaning, connection and renewal.