Easter 2026 finds itself in the context of a troubling war in the Middle East. The sacred and holy city of Jerusalem has felt the consequences. Christians prohibited from public worship and a palpable sense of tension and unease throughout this war-torn region. Pope Leo, in his Easter message, reminds Christians that we are all called to be agents of peace, reconciliation and compassion. Easter is a triumphant season, fuelled with an Amazing Grace, that in a moment in history, God himself triumphed over sin and darkness. Ours is that everlasting victory and with joy Hallelujah is our song.
Easter is a time of hope and new life, an opportunity to begin again in a new way. The Angel said to the wounded followers of Jesus “Why Look among the living for the dead” Easter reminds us in a very powerful way that we belong to a place that is so much bigger than whatever situation we may find ourselves in. That place is about gentleness, hope, love, compassion and love. That sacred place is told through the eyes of faith. Faith is a necessary and wonderful gift. Faith will carry us up any mountain, no matter how overwhelming the climb maybe. Faith brings with it a sense of perspective and a deep confidence, that no matter what “All will be well”. Easter is about new possibilities and opportunities. Easter is rich in gifts and blessings. There is no recession in the Lord’s love. Where the shadows of conflict, war, sickness and uncertainty prevail, the Easter message, contains a dawn that promises brighter days ahead.
“Peace be with you”. These were the first words of Jesus to his disciples, after the resurrection, when he met them behind locked doors on the evening of that first Easter Day. He showed them the marks of the crucifixion on his hands and side – the evidence of his suffering – and he said to them, “Peace be with you”. In the midst of their fear, sorrow and pain, he wanted them to find peace. Despite all that had happened in previous days, the words and sentiments he offered were words of comfort and love and not anger or hatred.
The words, “Peace be with you”, represent much more than a simple, customary greeting. They express a deep desire and hope for an end to pain, for calm after the storm, for a time of reconciliation and healing.
This Easter the world we live in is overshadowed by conflict in so many places – from across the Middle East to much closer to home in the war that has ravaged Ukraine for over four years now. In all those regions, heartfelt cries are heard for an end to the violence that has already caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people, widespread destruction of homes and businesses, as well as the separation and displacement of countless families.
Too many people live in fear of what the future holds in store. Hope is hard to find in the rubble of a bombed hospital or school, or in the tears of those whose loved ones have been killed through acts of violence.
The cross of Calvary continues to cast a long shadow over the world. Yet the sadness of Good Friday will give way to the joy of Easter morning. The Easter story begins “while it was still dark”, but it is soon bathed in the light of the resurrection. Love defeats hatred. It overcomes the darkness of despair. Nothing, then, should be permitted to rob us of hope that goodness will triumph over evil. This is Easter Hope: the “hope that does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5).
We must persevere, therefore, in our prayers and efforts to build lasting peace in the world, always looking to that day when swords will be beaten into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks.
This Easter, let us renew our determination to live in a world where all life is valued, where mutual respect and understanding are treasured, and where peace is a living reality. May the words and actions of all people mirror those of our risen Lord, now and in the days to come: “Peace be with you”.
The late Pope Benedict beautifully described Easter joy…
“Dear brothers and sisters,
Easter does not work magic.
Just as the Israelites found the desert awaiting them
on the far side of the Red Sea,
so, the Church, after the resurrection,
always finds history filled with joy and hope,
grief and anguish. And yet, this history is changed,
it is marked by a new and eternal covenant,
it is truly open to the future.
For this reason, saved by hope,
let us continue our pilgrimage,
bearing in our hearts the song that is ancient and yet ever new:
“Let us sing to the Lord: glorious his triumph!”. Pope Benedict XVI 20010