This Easter happens strangely at the same time as we are remembering the story of the Titanic, which surely is one of the most potent and memorable disasters of all time. And yet, here in Belfast, we find the name Titanic linked with an emerging new quarter – an area of hope, creativity and imagination, which has grown out of and emerged from the disaster of 100 years ago.
The Titanic Quarter is a reminder to us all that a phoenix can rise from the ashes, and that good can emerge from even the most devastating experience of loss and death.
That is true also in Belfast as a city.
The place which we were embarrassed to come from in the days of the troubles is now a place in which there is increasing pride and interest. Perhaps it is because we have been such a troubled and truculent society that the signs of hope in a better and shared future are so important and powerful.
We can choose to build on those things and see a creative and vibrant future, and proudly welcome visitors from other parts of the world
But in reality, many people as individuals and families continue to live in impossible circumstances in this province because of poverty, unemployment, hopelessness, addiction, and continuing paramilitarism.
For them, life is stuck in the place of darkness, not knowing where or how it may end. It is in those very places that we need Easter faith the most – the holding out of the possibility that things can change, and the commitment of all of us to bring that change about.
This is the faith of the Church.