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Easter a time for reflection, Obama says

U.S. President Barack Obama (R) participates in an Easter Prayer Breakfast in the East Room of the White House in Washington, April 19, 2011. Obama hosted Christian leaders from across the country for a time of prayer, reflection, and celebration of the Easter. UPI/Alex Wong/Pool
1 of 5 | U.S. President Barack Obama (R) participates in an Easter Prayer Breakfast in the East Room of the White House in Washington, April 19, 2011. Obama hosted Christian leaders from across the country for a time of prayer, reflection, and celebration of the Easter. UPI/Alex Wong/Pool | License Photo

WASHINGTON, April 19 (UPI) -- The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ puts the works of man, whether in Washington or elsewhere, in perspective, President Obama said Tuesday.

"Because in the middle of critical national debates, in the middle of our busy lives, we must always make sure that we are keeping things in perspective," Obama said during the second annual Easter Prayer Breakfast with Christian leaders at the White House. "Children help do that. A strong spouse helps do that. But nothing beats scripture and the reminder of the eternal."

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Noting that everyone lives "in the hustle and bustle" of work and responsibility, Obama said Holy Week and what it represents to Christians offers a chance for renewal.

Jesus' carrying of the cross reminds people that "in that moment, he took on the sins of the world -- past, present and future -- and he extended to us that unfathomable gift of grace and salvation through his death and resurrection," Obama said.

Obama said he wanted to host an Easter prayer breakfast for one reason.

"[Because] as busy as we are, as many tasks as pile up, during this season, we are reminded that there's something about the resurrection," he said, "something about the resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ that puts everything else in perspective."

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