大象传媒

Good morning.

We are surrounded by so much negativity in our world today, and we witness atrocities in the news on a daily basis. Here in London we suffered a terrible act of terror just a few weeks ago, and we continue to hear of similar attacks all over the world, most recently the bombing of our two Coptic Orthodox churches that were attacked in Egypt on Palm Sunday.

Those events are enough to convince us that death reigns over our world and that darkness overcomes light; and yet what the Easter message confirms is that despite the challenges we endure, the certainty of a joyful eternal life awaits.

Even at times of greatest darkness, such as the attacks in London in which I was personally present in the palace of Westminster, or in Stockholm, Egypt or elsewhere, we cannot ignore the countless acts of goodness and courage, benevolence, resilience and solidarity that we have experienced.

While we have spent much of Lent focusing on the notion of struggle and suffering, we often neglect to contemplate on the joyous and triumphant Resurrection. The Cross and the tomb in which our Lord was laid to rest after His crucifixion were not an end but actually a new beginning for the whole of humanity.聽 The Resurrection is a starting point that provides renewed vision for all who choose to accept its message of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Lord, may Your act of Salvation continue to inspire us to also be light in darkness and to overcome the cruelty we see in this world with the kindness that comes from You.

Amen.