Easter hope in a world at war

There are moments when the world feels unbearably heavy, as we witness on our televisions and social media feeds the fact that America and Israel have attacked Iran - a conflict that many people probably thought possible but hoped would never happen! The chaos swiftly escalated beyond Iran’s borders and encapsulated much of the Middle East. News of the conflict fills our screens; families are uprooted, lives are shattered and lost, buildings destroyed, with many travellers and tourists stuck in transit - and even far away from the battle lines, the cessation of ships transporting oil and its subsequent price increase, causes great anxiety across global markets, as well as practical and political pain. Many are therefore deeply uncertain about the future; sad and sorry for those who suffer; and worried that violent behaviour is tightening its grip around the world. ‘When will it end?’, one wonders.

Into this reality steps Easter.

The first Easter did not dawn on a peaceful world. Jesus’ friends lived under occupation, fear and political tension. Like us they knew grief, injustice and uncertainty. When Jesus was crucified, it seemed as if violence had spoken the final word, leaving the disciples hiding behind closed doors and convinced that all hope had died with him.

But the resurrection changed all this! The presence of the real and risen Christ before the disciples proved that God would not allow death and hatred to have the last word. The wounds that Christ displayed demonstrated that although God does not erase suffering, he can transform it – and continue to do so through us! For as Christians, we know that if we each, individually and faithfully, turn to Christ acknowledging our sin and that he died for us – then God is faithful to his promise and bestowes upon us new life and forgiveness, which makes such a profound difference to the way that we see ourselves and the world in which we live. We therefore appreciate that God does not only meet us in our suffering, but he presents us with another way of living and being truly human, one that is shaped by love, compassion and forgiveness. Easter does not pretend that the world is safe, but it proclaims hope for a better future as we pray for justice, peace and reconciliation, supporting those in need and demonstrating these attributes in our own lives.

In this time of uncertainty, may the joy and hope of Easter bring you peace!

With best wishes. Stephen Thorp.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16.33

This article was published in the Easter editions of the Parish Magazines associated with the Necton Benefice - Parish Link and Moonraker.

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