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Resurrection
of Christ means a bright future for humanity
if
it proceeds according to His teaching
Patriarch
Louis Raphael Card. Sako
Easter
celebration this year reminds us, more than any other time, of God’s love for
mankind, His closeness and His vast mercy to all, through the resurrection of
Christ, which is an affirmation for brighter future and salvation of humanity,
as long as it proceeds according to His teaching. His resurrection comes “to
shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide
our steps into the path of peace” (luke 1/79).
Jesus’
resurrection is a consolation and a hope for us. Moreover, it is a “deposit”
for the resurrection of all those who believe in Him. Ultimately His
Gospel is a message of hope, reminding us of important things in our lives.
Jesus’ passion is a new birth, a glorious resurrection. and establishment of a
new congregation (the Church).
Resurrection
is an invitation to enter into a new era, and a new covenant, in which we love
each other sincerely, and cooperate enthusiastically with impartiality, to be
always present next to each other, following the example Jesus’ disciples, whose
love brought them together when He was risen and shared what they owned freely.
I
wonder why the Christian spiritual values disappeared in most of our
societies. What have we done with the teaching of Christ, who called us to love
everyone, including our enemies? What have we done with the values of
fraternity, peace, stability, respect and the common good? It is a shame that
our spirituality is getting poor. Why did our societies, especially the Western
ones, abandon Christian Values?
The
Church must work hard to restore these values so that our world may enjoy
peace, security, justice in a spirit of love. The Church should reflect the
light of the Gospel on the current affairs that shape the life of our
societies. Otherwise, it will remain “idle – Out of order”.
Believers
of all religions should communicate with every human being, regardless of his
religion, sect or nationality, to reach an understanding and fraternal
cooperation, fulfilling Christ’s statement “you are all brothers” which has
been reflected in Pope Francis’ message “We are all brothers”, encouraging us
to build a new world and a new civilization that defends human fraternity,
human dignity and mutual respect.
Every
believer in God, and Christians in particular, must reject the logic of
war-death because it crosses with the logic of love, peace and life. Jesus is
calling every one of us, as He manifests Himself to St. Thomas and called Mary
Magdalene by her name. Thus, the only way for us to be good Christian is by
following His example on daily basis to reach and live “resurrection”.
Presidents,
religious authorities and the whole society should work hard to end the Russian
– Ukrainian war by resolving problems through diplomatic means rather than
fighting. Enough wars, casualties, grief, destruction, migration, poverty and
diseases. There should be an end for the production of lethal weapons here and
there. Isn’t “natural” that such evil act creates guilt conscience for the
world’s political officials? Since every honest person would have reject this
hell.
We
are going through the “dangerous moment” that may lead to a devastating world
war (God forbid), which will have serious impact on the entire political
process. Therefore, I invite all believers, Christians and Muslims (as they are
currently fasting Ramadan) and Jews as well to look at the tragedy in Ukraine
and Middle East countries, their humiliation, and the “harsh” dismantling of
its beautiful mosaic.
Finally,
as an Iraqi citizen and a Christian religious leader I cannot ignore seeing
Iraqis extremely tired and exhausted due to the current situation. Hence, I
call upon the Iraqi political forces to assume national responsibility by
adopting the language of dialogue and mutual understanding, which is the only
way to get out of the troubling “political blockage” in order to form a
national government capable of real reform as soon as possible.
Hoping
that the light emanating from Jesus tomb enlightens our minds and spirits, so
we may rise with him, and let our human senses enjoy (once in our life time)
freedom, solidarity and fraternity.
Wishing
you all a blessed Easter and peace on earth
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