Archbishop Nicholas Chia's Message for Easter 2010
Easter brought about a transformation in the Apostles. When Christ was crucified and died on Calvary, the Apostles were confused, dejected and at a loss. When they encountered the Risen Lord, they were transformed from a band of despairing men into a brigade of daring missionaries. Everywhere they preached the Good News of Christ's resurrection and the power of Easter began to work in people's lives: despair began to give way to hope; darkness began to give way to light; hatred began to give way to love and sorrow began to give way to joy.
Such was the impact of Easter. Does it have relevance for us today? The relevance is that by raising Jesus from the dead, God has confirmed that the way of Jesus is the way of life for all in all times. What was the way of Jesus? Against the social trends of His times, He sided with the poor, cured the sick, helped the needy, raised those not regarded worthy in society. Instead of giving Jewish rituals top priority, He placed human beings in the centre of the stage. Identifying Himself with the poor and lowly, He provoked the powerful. When the wise men of the world put Him to death, God raised Jesus to new life thus demonstrating that the way of Jesus is the true way of life. This is the relevance of Easter for today.
Easter has relevance for us today, not only because it offers the world a true way of life with the assurance of the resurrection of the body after we are dead, but also because it offers to all believers the hope of new life here and now, a life filled with light, love and joy. The Risen Christ has come to dispel the darkness of sin and evil and to be the light to show us the way to true peace and joy – a peace and joy the world cannot give. May the splendour of His Resurrection scatter the shadows in our lives and enable us to walk in radiant hope towards our eternal home. Christ is risen. Alleluia! A Blessed Easter to one and all.
Devotedly yours in Christ,
Archbishop Nicholas Chia
Easter brought about a transformation in
the Apostles. When Christ was crucified and
died on Calvary, the Apostles were confused,
dejected and at a loss. When they encountered
the Risen Lord, they were transformed from a
band of despairing men into a brigade of
daring missionaries. Everywhere they preached
the Good News of Christ's resurrection and
the power of Easter began to work in people's
lives: despair began to give way to hope;
darkness began to give way to light; hatred
began to give way to love and sorrow began
to give way to joy.
Such was the impact of Easter. Does it have relevance for us today? The
relevance is that by raising Jesus from the dead, God has confirmed that the
way of Jesus is the way of life for all in all times. What was the way of Jesus?
Against the social trends of His times, He sided with the poor, cured the sick,
helped the needy, raised those not regarded worthy in society. Instead of
giving Jewish rituals top priority, He placed human beings in the centre of the
stage. Identifying Himself with the poor and lowly, He provoked the powerful.
When the wise men of the world put Him to death, God raised Jesus to new
life thus demonstrating that the way of Jesus is the true way of life. This is
the relevance of Easter for today.
Easter has relevance for us today, not only because it offers the world a true
way of life with the assurance of the resurrection of the body after we are
dead, but also because it offers to all believers the hope of new life here and
now, a life filled with light, love and joy. The Risen Christ has come to dispel
the darkness of sin and evil and to be the light to show us the way to true
peace and joy – a peace and joy the world cannot give. May the splendour of
His Resurrection scatter the shadows in our lives and enable us to walk in
radiant hope towards our eternal home.
Christ is risen. Alleluia! A Blessed Easter to one and all.
Category: APRIL 11, 2010, Vol 60, No 07
ARCHBISHOP'S EASTER MESSAGE: Resurrection - centre of our faith	(4 matches)
Archbishop Chia's Easter Message: The Easter message of rebirth, renewal and hope	(4 matches)
Archbishop Nicholas Chia's Christmas Message	(4 matches)
Archbishop's Easter Message: Christ is risen, so too we will rise!	(4 matches)
Christmas Message from Archbishop Nicholas Chia	(4 matches)
Archbishop Chia's statement on pope's resignation	(3 matches)
Archbishop Chia's Message for Vocation Sunday	(3 matches)
Archbishop Chia's message for World Communications Sunday	(3 matches)
Archbishop Chia's message to Buddhists for Vesak Day	(3 matches)
Archbishop Goh's 'Id al-Fitr message	(3 matches)