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An Easter Message 2007"'Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here; he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was in Galilee. The Son of Man must be handed over to sinful men, be crucified, and three days later rise to life.'" (Luke 24:5b-7) At a time of so much turmoil, conflict, and seemingly insurmountable difficulties, the message of Easter serves as a beacon of hope for those who are followers of Christ's Way. The Way of Christ Jesus was: "to bring good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set free the oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people." (Luke 4:18-19) It was because of that Way of life, service and ministry that he was arrested, tortured, and crucified. It was because of that Way that he was called names – a drunkard, mixing with sinners, blasphemer, even mockingly as "king of the Jews". Today, many who have committed themselves to this Way also walk the path of name calling, mockery, arrest, torture, and summary killing. It is happening to many followers of the Way in various countries of Asia, especially in the Philippines. Their disappearance or death, caused by the desire of the powers-that-be to snuff out any opposition or movements for justice and people's empowerment will dampen the spirit of many people. But the message of Easter comes out loud through the perseverance of those deeply committed to Christ's Way: "Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive?" The question reminds all the followers of the Way that death does not have the final word. The cause of justice is not snuffed out by the powers-that-be. And thus, the good news of Christ's resurrection becomes the source of empowerment itself for others to take up and continue Christ's cause. Many other countries in Asia – such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Timor Leste, to name a few – are sites of continuing conflict and lack of peace. In such situations, the query, "Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive?" becomes an urgent call for followers of Christ's way to continue the work that Christ began. As members of the Christian Conference of Asia, let us encourage each other to continue the work that Christ began. May God give us the courage and wisdom to make us worthy of such a call and a task. May the Divine Peace of Easter fill our hearts with joy and hope. Prawate Khid-arn General Secretary, CCA posted by cbs on Sunday, April 01, 2007 |
