Jerusalem Christian leaders’
Easter message of hope, consolation amid pandemic
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| The Church of the Holy Sepulches shuttered amid strict measures to curb the coronavirus (AFP) |
In a joint Easter message, the 13 patriarchs and heads of
Churches of Jerusalem note that amid the death and suffering of the coronavirus
pandemic, God is present and invites us to "look to the future" with
hope.
By Robin Gomes
In their Easter message, the 13 patriarchs and heads of
Churches of Jerusalem note that in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole
world at this time is going through a state of fear, anxiety and ambiguity.
Many countries are facing much loss and grief, and infected cases are on the
rise.
Desolation of pandemic
Jerusalem, the City of the Resurrection and Christ’s Empty
Tomb, is empty of pilgrims, note the 13 patriarchs and heads of Churches of
Jerusalem.
Among them are Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the
Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and Franciscan
Father Francesco Patton, the Custos of the Holy Land.
Lent, Holy Week, and Easter this year, the leaders observe,
have been surrounded by many questions in the light of the suffering, illness,
death and lockdowns around the globe. The coronavirus challenge has thrown into
turmoil people, communities institutions and even the world economy and global
health have not been spared.
Resurrection - a time of renewal of hope
However, “The Feast of the Resurrection is a time of renewal
of hope, restoration and victory over all forms of death and destruction.”
The leaders say, “We believe that our God is the God of the
living and not of the dead.” “The Resurrection is our assurance that even
in the midst of death and suffering, God is there and Christ’s death gives us
the victory.”
Mutual support and prayer
“The Resurrection calls upon our human family toward a time
of renewal and a way forward into the future, away from oppression,
discrimination, hunger, and injustice.”
“The Easter message this year coming from Jerusalem,” the
patriarchs and heads of Churches of Jerusalem say, “is a reminder of the
Resurrection itself: ‘He is not here, but is risen!’”
The leaders remind Christians that their mission as
followers of Christ and as human beings “is to support each other and to
continue to pray for all people during this pandemic.”
“The mighty power and grace of the Resurrection offer us
hope, healing, and victory over this pandemic and all dark situations.”
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