Dear friends,
Greetings of Easter Peace!
In the resurrection narratives, what is most striking are not the dramatic appearances of the risen Lord, although they are necessary. The consoling words of the Lord seem to have more powerful resonances: “Peace be with you,” “Receive the Holy Spirit,” “I am with you always,” “Go and make disciples of all nations,” “Do not be afraid,” and “Do not be unbelieving but believe.” These consoling words are by no means intended only for his disciples who were plagued with anxiety and uncertainty after losing their master and friend. These words are also meant for us who are in misery and eagerly awaiting our deliverance in the wake of the coronavirus. We, like the disciples of Jesus, are also wrestling with our agony and the ambiguity of the future. Some of us are mourning over the loss of some people we know who have died of the disease. Some of us are concerned of those fighting in the trenches to contain the spread of the virus. Some of us are in solidarity with the poor and hungry and all those infected by Covid-19. Some are deeply troubled about the future.
Given our condition, how does one celebrate Easter in this season when it feels like it is still Good Friday or at the very least Holy Saturday?
We celebrate the many glimpses of God’s presence in our midst. We celebrate the courage of many health workers, medical practitioners, law enforcers, community leaders, scientists, and experts who seek to find medical remedies, and all those who risk their lives to save others. We celebrate the magnanimity of people who share their resources and the humanitarian volunteers and workers who feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and look after the vulnerable. We celebrate the creativity of people to find ways and means to accompany and assist the sick, the bereaved family, and loved ones of Covid-19 patients, the frontliners, the wounded, and those deeply affected by the pandemic especially the poor. We celebrate the resilience and undying hope of the people who continue to suffer. We celebrate the spirit of solidarity that has reduced somewhat our division and isolation to promote the common good. We celebrate the respite of our Mother Earth. We celebrate God’s closeness with us in our prayer.
The Easter event does not wipe away all our pain and suffering. It simply assures us that the Lord is alive amid the pandemic, even if God is suffering with us, quietly.
Blessed Easter to all!
Tony Moreno SJ
President, Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific
Easter 2020