麻豆约拍

Good morning.

The celebration of Easter tends to bring its own set of challenges to Christians across the world who face religious persecution on a daily basis. Most recently, our own Coptic Orthodox community in Egypt suffered brutal terrorist attacks that robbed families of loved ones, and shocked communities as a result of senseless and indiscriminate violence.

Terrorist attacks like these leave us questioning how humanity can reach a stage when the value and sanctity of life is lost entirely. They can lead us to feel afraid or hopeless, if not also bitter and angry.

Yet, it is on this eve of Easter Sunday remember that although our journey is often characterised by suffering and challenge, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ promises victory over evil and a conquering of death itself.

When I look at the peaceful reaction of my brothers and sisters in Egypt, who face on going terror, I am humbled by their example of determined Faith and Christian witness. Many, who were subject to the recent attacks on churches during a time of prayer, have already chosen to return to their churches to pray as families. That, to me, demonstrates the true power of the Risen Lord in our lives today, that we need never again fear death, but see it as a new beginning and entry point to a glorious life to come.

Lord we pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Egypt and for our communities who are facing constant provocation and attempts to move them to violence and division. May your peace continually reign in our hearts.

础尘别苍.听