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President Obama, GOP agree on one thing: the Easter message

In their Saturday radio addresses, President Obama and Rep. Lee Terry on behalf of the GOP sent messages of hope and renewal to millions of Americans celebrating Easter and Passover.

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Brian Snyder/REUTERS
Students playing the role of the women of Jerusalem wait to begin a re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross during Easter week at the Sanctuary of Chimayo in Chimayo, New Mexico.

President Obama used his Saturday radio/Internet address to emphasize a message of renewal and the “triumph of faith” to the millions of Americans celebrating Easter and Passover.

“As Christians, my family and I remember the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for each and every one of us – how He took on the sins of the world and extended the gift of salvation,” Mr. Obama said. “And we recommit ourselves to following His example here on Earth. To loving our Lord and Savior. To loving our neighbors. And to seeing in everyone, especially ‘the least of these,’ as a child of God.”

The President took an ecumenical tack in his message Saturday.

“Of course, those values are at the heart not just of the Christian faith; but of all faiths. From Judaism to Islam; Hinduism to Sikhism; there echoes a powerful call to serve our brothers and sisters. To keep in our hearts a deep and abiding compassion for all. And to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves,” he said. “That’s the common humanity that binds us together. And as Americans, we’re united by something else, too: faith in the ideals that lie at the heart of our founding; and the belief that, as part of something bigger than ourselves, we have a shared responsibility to look out for our fellow citizens.”

In the Republican address Saturday morning, US Rep. Lee Terry of Nebraska spent most of his time criticizing Obama for “dragging his feet” on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline.

But Mr. Terry sent an Easter message as well on behalf of his party.

“Doing all of this isn’t just about the dollars and cents. It’s about coming together to solve longstanding problems to ensure our children will have the same chances, the same hope and freedoms we’ve had,” Terry said.

“These are the blessings we celebrate during the rites of Easter and Passover. It’s a time to unite in prayer and celebration – to renew traditions, lift up our spirits and tell old stories that remind us how trials and suffering can be overcome with courage and resolve,” he said. “It’s a time for perspective. If we look for opportunities to work together and seize on them – if we choose to build on and not squander past sacrifices – we come that much closer to realizing the promise of a more perfect union and peace for one and all.”

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