“And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Roman 5:5)
The Paschal mystery of Christ takes us to the heart of injustice, violence and suffering. The story of Christ’s passion and death echoes human suffering and tragedies experienced in many parts of our world, not least by Ukrainians in their own country and wherever the roads of exile have taken them.
The Easter Gospel turns our eyes to the work of God in this world through Jesus Christ, and in us and through us.
In Christ, God joins our humanity, taking upon himself our limitations and our hatred, transforming our impasses, our indignation, our feelings of fatality and despair into hope through trust in him. This transformation takes place within the human being and in the world that God so loves: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Today we witnessed the incredible surge of solidarity that is sweeping across Europe, and we give thanks for the many signs of hope: the generous welcome given to refugees from Ukraine, particularly in Poland, the unprecedented mobilisation of volunteers showing a face of humanity in the midst of tragedy.
Therefore, in the face of horror and the tragedy of wars in this world, in the face of so much suffering and violence triggered by hatred and greed, we continue to proclaim the message that turns our eyes towards the Risen Christ.
Let us continue to believe in the horizon that God’s grace, manifested in Christ, opens before our eyes! Let us continue to give thanks and bless all those, wherever they are, and whoever they are, who offer support and solidarity for those in need and so share signs of humanity and witness hope.
Let us continue to pray and work for justice, reconciliation and peace between peoples, cultures and nations!
Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ (President of COMECE)
Rev. Christian Krieger (President of CEC)