Easter reflections for this year

The first reflection: Who holds power?

Who holds power in this world? Is it the power of tyranny, domination, and harming people in their homes and countries? Or does genuine strength lie in humble greatness, in unconditional benevolence, and in a feeling that is always ready to serve God and others? This year, amidst the atmosphere of the glorious Feast  of Easter, the question arises repeatedly, who ultimately attains victory? The answer inspired by Easter rites is clear, namely victory belongs to the Resurrection—neither to death, nor even to its associates or its armies. The final word is not for darkness, but for light. Let us glorify life these days, and stand with all who plant life and believe that the Resurrection, even if it lasted for three days of pain, burial, and concealment, is the ultimate truth.

 The second reflection: A prayer for peace

This year, Easter marked according to the Julian and Gregorian calendars, is celebrated amid a resounding call by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, urging prayer for peace. On Palm Sunday, among crowds of believers filling St. Peter’s Square and holding olive branches and palm fronds, he said: “God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but to those who call for peace.” It is a concise statement that encapsulates an entire Gospel. Consequently, His Holiness called for a day of prayer for peace, at a time when humanity continues to offer its prayers especially for our region in the Middle East, which has not yet drunk sufficiently from the cup of just and comprehensive peace.

The third reflection: The mosque and church doors 0pen… The wound Is shared

Between the two Easter celebrations, the doors of Al-Aqsa Mosque open, and the doors of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher open. Yet, memory still holds the pain associated with the days when these doors were closed, and the faithful were deprived of prayer and had to follow the rites through screens. How painful it was to see the Patriarch praying almost alone, while representing an entire people who aspire to be present and pray. Today, as the doors open, we understand that the wound is shared, the pain is shared, and that prayer—whether offered from a mosque or a church—is a fundamental pillar for peace. From Jerusalem, where the first proclamation of the Resurrection began, hope still emerges to fill the entire Earth.

The fourth reflection: The blessing of security in Jordan

In our beloved Jordan, Christmas has its charm, yet Easter also has its own special beauty. This beauty is manifested in the state’s respect for the feelings of all citizens as official holidays are granted to Christians, namely one day for Palm Sunday and two days for Easter, while university examinations are suspended for all students without exceptions in respect for this occasion. It is a blessing to live in a homeland where the constitution preserves the rights of all people, and a blessing for persons to feel safe—not only in daily life, but also in practising faith. When security forces guard the churches of the Kingdom, they are not actually guarding stones,but rather safeguarding the human right to pray and feel secured. This is an authentic Jordanian message, namely respect for human beings and for their faith. Furthermore, when the Jordanian flag—whose celebration is approaching—leads church processions, whether inside or outside the churches, it reflects a sincere and durable pride in the Hashemite banner that protects the rights of all those who live under it.

The fifth reflection: From Augustine to today

From Annaba, or Hippo, in sisterly Algeria, the voice of Saint Augustine emerges, who is still alive in the thought of the Church and humanity. It is the sacred site that Pope Leo will visit on Monday where His Holiness was martyred and said in his Easter homily, “If you fear death, love the Resurrection.”

What a wisdom that sums up the entire faith. We neither deny pain, nor do we flee from the Cross—but we love the Resurrection, because it is God’s final promise and the hope that never fails.

Best wishes to all those marking glorious Easter . Best wishes to all those marking the Feast of the Resurrection. May your lives be filled with hope, may our hearts be filled with peace, and may your faith be ever victorious… for the Resurrection has the final word.