|
|
The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search |
|
a healthy church...transformingLIFE |
|
|
|
|
An Easter message from Bishop John |
Bishop's Easter message 2004
Since September 11th the world seems to be a place where suicide bombings and other forms of terrorism are becoming more frequent. We think of Iraq where soldiers and civilians are being killed, the recent bombing of a train in Madrid and ethnic violence in Kosovo and wonder what will be next. Fear stalks the streets in many of these places and despite our best efforts we seem powerless to halt the spread of terrorism. What hope is there for the future of this world that seems to have gone mad? It is here that the Easter message has so much to offer. On Good Friday, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, tried and sentenced to death by crucifixion. On the cross he identified with human pain and hurt, and took upon himself all the sin and shame of the world. Jesus gave his life in order that we might be rescued from our rebellion against God and so return to God and find love for each other. All the forces of evil did their worst and seemed to have won when the dead body of Jesus was taken down from the cross and buried. But on Easter Day came the great discovery that Jesus was indeed risen from the dead and is alive for evermore. Love had triumphed over evil and hate. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus there has been released into the world a stream of love and forgiveness which can break the cycle of hatred and revenge and bring the healing of broken relationships. All who respond to his offer of forgiveness and give him their allegiance are enabled to live a life of love and service to others and thus help to create a climate where terrorism cannot thrive. The Easter story reminds us that a day is coming when evil and terrorism will be no more but love will endure forever. Meanwhile we know that God is not aloof and distant in the midst of our pain and suffering, having experienced the worst of it himself. He is present with us in our darkest moments, offering his unfailing love, strength to endure and hope for the future. Thank God for the living hope we have through the message of Easter.
Bishop John Harrower
|
