In a joint Easter message, the Irish church primates, Archbishop John McDowell (Church of Ireland) and Archbishop Eamon Martin (Roman Catholic) reflect on Jesus’ first words after the resurrection and how Christ greeted his fearful and grieving followers not with anger, but with reassurance. Showing the wounds of the crucifixion, he offered them comfort, love, and, above all, peace.
They emphasise that this greeting was far more than a customary phrase. Instead, it conveyed a profound hope for healing after suffering, reconciliation after division, and calm in the wake of turmoil.
The message comes at a time when, they note, the world is “overshadowed by conflict in so many places,” pointing in particular to violence across the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine. These conflicts, they say, have led to tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and the displacement of countless families.
The archbishops add: “Too many people live in fear of what the future holds in store. Hope is hard to find in the rubble of a bombed hospital or school, or in the tears of those whose loved ones have been killed through acts of violence.
“During Holy Week, in Scripture readings and prayer, we reflect on the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and are reminded of the cruelty of humankind and the power of evil. The cross of Calvary casts a long shadow over the world. Yet the sadness of Good Friday will give way to the joy of Easter morning.
"The Easter story begins “while it was still dark” but is soon bathed in the light of the resurrection. Love defeats hatred. It overcomes the darkness of despair. Nothing should be permitted to rob us of hope that goodness will triumph over evil. This is Easter Hope - the “hope that does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). We must persevere, therefore, in our prayers and efforts to build lasting peace in the world, always looking to that day when swords will be beaten into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks.”
"This Holy Week and Easter, let us renew our determination to live in a world where all life is valued, where mutual respect and understanding are treasured, and where peace is a living reality. May the words and actions of all people mirror those of our risen Lord, now and in the days to come – “Peace be with you”.”