Embracing the Resurrection

Apr 18, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we gather to celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, this Easter, we are reminded of the boundless hope His victory over death offers each of us. This is not a distant or abstract hope but a living, transforming force that renews our spirits, heals our hearts, and calls us to live in the light of that resurrection every single day. This year, as we embrace the joy of Easter, we also step into the sacred journey of the Jubilee of Hope — a time set aside for deep renewal, reconciliation, and grace. It is an invitation to open our hearts to God’s love and to the suffering of the world, even as we celebrate the resurrection that brings us eternal hope.

The message of Easter is one of profound hope — a hope that tells us that even in the darkest times, life will prevail. Yet, as we look around the world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of suffering that surrounds us. We see the pain of ongoing conflicts in Palestine, where families are torn apart and communities live in constant fear and violence. We mourn with those who have lost so much in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, leaving countless lives shattered and grieving. We stand with the families affected by the gas explosion in Putra Heights, where destruction has left them seeking hope in the midst of despair. These, alongside countless other wars, natural disasters, and heart-wrenching tragedies, serve as painful reminders of the suffering our brothers and sisters face each day. The weight of the world’s pain can sometimes feel unbearable.

But even in the darkest places, we must never forget that at the heart of our suffering lies the unshakable hope of the resurrection. Just as Christ bore the weight of the world’s sins on the cross and suffered in our place, He has also risen — conquering death and opening the doors to eternal life. His resurrection gives new meaning to our suffering, assuring us that no pain is without purpose and no darkness is too great for His light. This is the hope that sustains us as we pray for all those affected by conflict, disaster, and calamity.

We pray for the people of Palestine, that peace may replace violence, reconciliation heal divisions, and wounded hearts be restored. We pray for the survivors of the earthquake in Myanmar, that they may find strength and comfort in their grief, and rebuild their lives with the compassion and support of the global community. We pray for those suffering from the gas explosion in Putra Heights, that they may feel the tender mercy of God and the support of those around them. We pray for all those enduring the hardships of war, natural disasters, and human tragedy across the globe. May the Lord draw near to them, offering peace, hope, and the comfort of His resurrection.

But let us not forget that we are not only called to pray for those who suffer, but to stand with them in solidarity and action. Reflecting on the resurrection of Christ, we are reminded that our faith is not passive. We are called to be bearers of hope in a world that desperately needs it. We are called to reach out to the least, the last, the lost, and the little. These are the forgotten ones, the overlooked, the abandoned. Yet, in the eyes of Christ, they are precious and loved, deserving of our care.

The Jubilee of Hope calls us to live as a family united in Christ’s love, extending that love to those in need. We cannot turn our backs on the broken, the marginalised, or the forgotten. Christ Himself walked among the poor, healed the sick, comforted the grieving, and ultimately gave His life for all. He calls us to do the same.

As we celebrate the resurrection, let us also reflect on our own journey of faith. To those who have drifted away from the Church or fallen distant from the community of believers, I offer a heartfelt invitation. The Jubilee of Hope is a time to return — to rediscover the boundless love and grace of God that is always waiting for you. No matter how far you may feel from Him, or how difficult the path to return may seem, know that Christ is always waiting with open arms, ready to welcome you home. The Church is your family, and we long to walk with you, especially during this sacred season of renewal.

In this holy season of Easter, let us open our hearts to the message of the resurrection — the message of hope, life, and peace. Let that hope transform us, leading us to live as true disciples of Christ, bringing light into the darkness, comfort to the afflicted, and love to the least. As we pray for the world and the victims of suffering, let us also commit ourselves to being instruments of peace and agents of change. May the resurrection of our Lord remind us all that through Him, all things are possible.

Let the joy of Easter fill your hearts, and may the hope of the resurrection guide you through the days ahead. God bless you and your families, and may His peace be with you always.

Yours affectionately,
+ Most Reverend Julian Leow Beng