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Christian Conference of Asia
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An Easter MessageWhen it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.' After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.' [John 20:19-21] Once again, the story of resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, comes to us at a time of much despair, hopelessness, and fear. There is so much that causes despair, hopelessness and fear in our region and the whole world today. As the gap widens between the rich and the poor in many, if not all, of our societies, there is a growing restlessness about corrupt and inefficient governance with no concern for the people's security, much less for their freedom, and for genuine peace and justice of the country. In some places, those who question the status quo and clamor for human rights and for social transformation are stigmatized, if not killed, as terrorists or enemies of the state. Jesus' passion and crucifixion happened precisely because he questioned the status quo and challenged the self-serving authorities. He was accused and killed as a trouble-maker, a blasphemer, and a sinner. Hence, his death was a big blow to his followers and those who pinned their hopes on him for a better life. His crucifixion was a painful mirror of what following him could mean: "come and die!" But it is precisely in the darkness and gloom of despair, hopelessness and fear, that his short but powerful message, "Peace be with you", once again becomes a challenge for us, his followers today. It is an assurance that we are not alone in what we are going through - for "I am with you always". It is an assurance that our troubles do not have the final word - God wills for us 'life in its fullness'. It is an assurance that God is working with us and through us - "as the Father sent me so I send you." The Christian Conference of Asia affirms this gift and task of peace-building as we remain committed to "Building Communities of Peace For All" in our region and in the world. May this be a truly meaningful Easter for all of you! posted by hope on Sunday, April 16, 2006 |
