A VERY HAPPY EASTER
AND ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE EASTER SEASON
FROM THE REDEMPTORISTS AT BISHOP ETON
As I prepare these few notes in good time for the weekend, I am conscious that all the ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter are going to be something of a challenge for us this year with the health problems we now face in the community. Nevertheless, we are confident that with your support and prayers all will be well and we will celebrate the Resurrection with the joy and hope that surround this, the most important Feast in the Christian calendar. If ever we and the wider world need to hear the message of Salvation, it is surely now? The international scene is fraught with tension and wars are raging across the globe.
In the face of all this Pope Leo XIV gave a remarkable homily on Palm Sunday, leaving us in no doubt about where our prayers should be directed. Let me share some of what he said with you:
“We turn our gaze to Jesus, who reveals himself as King of Peace, even as war looms around him. He remains steadfast in meekness, while others raise swords and clubs. He is the light of the world, though darkness is about to engulf the earth…
Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood’ (Isaiah 1.15). As we set our gaze upon him who was crucified for us, we can see a crucified humanity. In his wounds, we see the hurts of so many women and men today… Christ, King of Peace, cries out again from his cross: God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember you are brothers and sisters!”
Accordingly, as we rejoice in the Resurrection of Christ and his promise that we too will rise with him, we unite our prayer with all men, women and children of good will and pray that goodness will triumph over evil. I pray that Christ’s peace and joy may fill you and your homes this Easter.
