In this time of war of senseless destruction and cruel death of innocent people, we wonder in what sense Easter can be happy. In the Easter vigil, announcing the resurrection of Jesus, we sing: «The holy mystery of this night defeats evil, washes away sins, restores innocence to sinners, joy to the afflicted. He dispels hatred, bends the hardness of the powerful, promotes harmony and peace. O truly glorious night, which reunites earth to heaven and man to his creator! ».
What makes us “happy” is the certainty that in Christ, who defeated evil and death with his resurrection, all evil and all death can be overcome. Even war can be overcome: it seems “impossible” to us, but for God it is not.
Pope Francis has shown us a “concrete” way for the resurrection of Christ to become peace and a happy life for all: he speaks of “another approach, a different way of governing the world and setting up international relations by promoting the culture of care, acceptance and making oneself neighbor ». Best wishes for a “happy” Easter in the certainty that a new and different life is possible even today, despite the war. New life is possible because Christ is risen. Possible if “we put on him” and “seek the things above” where Christ is.
I bless you,
Marco
* Bishop of Asti