WASHINGTON (AP) — Pausing to observe Holy Week amid war and policy struggles, President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that the agony of Jesus Christ through death and resurrection puts mere political struggle "in perspective."
For the second year running, Obama
hosted an Easter prayer breakfast at the White House, and the East Room was
filled with administration officials and clergy from across the country.
Obama said "critical national
debates" are raging, and "my plate has been full as well. The in-box
keeps accumulating. But then comes Holy Week ...
"As busy as we are, as many
tasks as pile up, during this season, we are reminded that there is something
about the resurrection ... of Our Savior Jesus Christ that puts everything else
in perspective."
Obama spoke just before heading to a
town meeting in Virginia on his deficit plan -- the start of a cost-to-coast
tour promoting his fiscal blueprint as more balanced than the one advocated by
congressional Republicans.
Obama has used previous prayer breakfasts to underscore the depth of his Christian faith in the face of polls indicating some
Americans question his religious beliefs. Last August, a Pew Research Center poll found 18 percent wrongly believe that Obama is a Muslim.
On Tuesday, Obama recounted the story
of Christ's march to Calvary, the crucifixion and resurrection, the
"unfathomable grace" of taking on the sins of the world.
"This amazing grace calls me to
reflect, and it calls me to pray," he said.
Obama said his daughters help keep
things in perspective for him, and so does having a "strong spouse.... But
nothing beats Scripture and the reminder of the Eternal."
The event included an opening prayer
by African Methodist Episcopal
Bishop Vashti McKenzie of Tennessee. Other well-known clerics included Bishop
T.D. Jakes and Archbishop Demetrios, leader of the Greek Orthodox Church in
America.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
