Stepping aside from the cut and thrust of politics, Anthony Albanese has delivered a brief Easter message of goodwill to Australians.
Acknowledging the spiritual significance of the holiday for many, the prime minister said Christians across the nation were no doubt contemplating the resurrection of Christ and celebrating their faith.
“This is a time of reflection and a time of joy,” he said.
“Hopefully you’re catching up with family and friends and maybe helping kids enjoy the fun of an Easter egg hunt in a backyard.
If you’re having a break this weekend, please drive safely and if you’re working, thank you for all that you do.
“I wish you all a wonderful Easter.”
On a more sombre note, Sydney’s Anglican archbishop, Kanishka Raffel, has used the occasion to issue a timely warning against relying on artificial intelligence for spiritual direction.
Instead of consulting an online bible for answers, Australians need to look to the “authentic intelligence” of Easter’s message, he said.
“At Easter we celebrate something infinitely greater: God speaking to us in person.”
Life’s deepest questions require a divine response, the archbishop said.
“Some questions only God can answer.”
Easter is not the story of the strong helping themselves or of violence, terror or war but the story of love, says Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher.
“You are not alone. Christ is with you,” he said.
“Rise with Him this Easter!”
Some 45 per cent of Australians are, meanwhile, expected to eat a kilogram or more of chocolate and seasonal treats over the four-day weekend.
One in 10 of more than a thousand people surveyed by food tracking app MyFitnessPal said they expected to consume up to four times that amount.
Despite increased indulgence, more than three-quarters of recipients said they had no plans to follow a post-Easter diet.
Lifesaving and road safety authorities have also issued pleas for everyone to be prepared and alert while in the water or travelling.
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