EASTER Greeting and Blessing to all Catholics, friends and people of goodwill.
On the night of the Last Supper, Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss of peace. He then faced an unfair trial, physical torture – scourging and whipping, public humiliation in the city streets as he carried the cross to Mt. Calvary. Finally he experienced the excruciating pain and death by crucifixion.
On the Cross, Jesus reveals to us his Heavenly Father’s love and mercy. Before he died, he prayed for all of us: “Forgive them, Father for they do not know what they are doing”. Jesus offered his life as a sacrifice of love. He died as a ransom for our sins – “PAID IN FULL!” He offered us the Father’s compassion and mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, healing and peace on Good Friday.
“He was despised and we took no account of him. And yet ours were the sufferings he bore, ours the sorrows he carried. He as pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins. For surrendering himself to death and letting himself be taken for a sinner while he was bearing the faults and sins of many and praying all the time for sinners” (cf. Isaiah 52).
On Good Friday evening, Jesus died and was buried on Friday evening. But early on Easter Sunday morning, God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. Alleluia Jesus is Risen!
Jesus, risen Lord and Saviour, “by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free. “ As the Lord’s missionary disciples, let us glorify our Risen Lord by our life – bringing peace, hope, mercy and joy to all peoples.
I take this occasion to wish all Catholics, friends and all people of good will, peace and joy of Easter season. Let us live our life with purpose and meaning, making a difference in the life of others.
Most Rev Bishop Simon Poh, Archbishop of Kuching
