Archbishop’s 2024 Easter Message
Victory for Humanity in the Risen Lord Jesus
At this Easter time, we proclaim to the ends of the earth the victory won for humanity in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Recent Popes describe war as a defeat for humanity. No one wins in war. It seems to make things worse than better. We see this, at present, in the Middle East, Ukraine and parts of Africa.
The same could be said for the scourge of euthanasia, at present, being legislated throughout Australia. It is so unnecessary. The best response to terminal illness and great human vulnerability is widely available palliative care. Here tenderness and closeness replace the brute and sinister lethal jab.
Into this developing culture of hopelessness comes the extraordinary hope and joy of Easter!
Easter is God’s ultimate victory over threats to living out our humanity to its full. It is the victory for humanity that is permanent and universal.
It is love made flesh in the victory of the Resurrection of Jesus on the Calvary Cross. The tree of our defeat has become the tree of victory in Jesus rising from the dead.
In our YEAR OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, let us, therefore, “exult … and let the trumpet of salvation sound aloud our mighty King’s triumph.” Let us breathe in the joy and hope of the Risen Lord’s transformation of our humanity into its lost innocence.
In announcing this hope to the world, let our first efforts be directed at those who struggle in the homelessness of body and soul. May our joy be practical to those most in need. Let us be Easter peacemakers in both our families and our fragile world!
Alleluia! He is Risen!
Happy Easter to all!