While this earthquake announced a human tragedy and disaster for the people of central Italy, St. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that an earthquake announced the good news of the Resurrection – “suddenly there was a violent earthquake; the angel of the Lord came down from Heaven and announced: ‘do not be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified; he is not here for he is risen as he said.” (Mt 28:2)
Over the past month, many people have experienced earthquake experiences in their own lives, often due to the economic circumstances in which we find ourselves. The news on so many fronts seems depressing. Many people have become weary and fearful. Yet, the Easter Message is a message of hope and joy. As a result of the resurrection, the Christian community is a community of vigour and life.
The Easter theme is one which moves us from death to life and to hope. New life and hope are at the very centre of our celebration of Easter.
Easter challenges us to abandon the old ways and to move forward, inspired by the hope of the Paschal Mystery, which is the Risen Christ.
There is both human hope and Christian hope; the latter is the surest foundation for the former. It is important to place our hope in someone who is dependable, who can deliver on his promises, and that person is Christ.
Christian hope moves us to face the challenges of daily life, especially those which are most difficult, in a new light. At this time, our community in Derry and wider, is looking to a better future, economically, in employment and in peace. Our hope is that the dignity of human life, from conception to natural end, will always be protected.
May the peace, joy and hope of the Risen Christ be with all in our city and diocese at this Easter time.
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The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Sotto Voce
(Source: DD)