He is Risen, Alleluia!

Mar 31, 2024

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we gather in the joyous celebration of Easter, our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude for the incredible gift of salvation granted to us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Echoing the sentiments of Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” we embrace this day with profound gratitude. Truly, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is a testament to the unfathomable love and mercy of God, offering us the gift of eternal life through His sacrifice.

God accompanies us through every aspect of the human experience, embracing both its beauty and brokenness. Even in our moments of suffering, darkness, and abandonment, God is present, walking with us through our struggles and even through death itself. The empty tomb on Easter morning is a powerful symbol of this enduring presence — Christ lives. With this hope and understanding, we are liberated to live and love as Jesus did, knowing that His risen presence is a constant, guiding force in our lives, filling us with joy and empowering us to embrace life to the fullest.

In the resurrection of Christ, we find the ultimate source of hope and the promise of new beginnings. As followers of Christ, we are called to be bearers of this hope to the world around us. Just as Christ brought light to the darkness and joy to the sorrowful, so too are we called to be joy-givers to those in need, especially those on the peripheries of society -- the marginalised, the lonely, and the forgotten, sharing with them the hope and love that Christ has bestowed upon us.

As we rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord, let us also recommit ourselves to the task of nation-building, working tirelessly for the common good and the advancement of justice and peace in our communities. Let us actively engage in the work of building a society rooted in justice, mercy, and compassion, where the dignity and rights of every individual are respected and upheld. Let us also remember our role as examples to those of other faiths and traditions.

Let us be agents of reconciliation and healing, seeking to build bridges of understanding and cooperation among people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. In our daily lives, let us strive to live as true disciples of Christ, leading lives of compassion, humility, and service. May our actions be a reflection of our faith, inspiring others to seek the light of Christ in their own lives. Through our words and deeds, may we embody the inclusive love of Christ, welcoming all into the fold of God’s family.

May we be strengthened to walk the journey of faith and may we be leaven to the Kingdom through our active discipleship, witness and engagement in the world. Let us find Christ among the poor, the vulnerable and the wounded. Let us have the courage of Mary and be truly Easter men and women, bringing to life the Good News in our Church and in our world and being bearers of hope and joy to those around us. May we, together as one body in Christ, be witnesses to the power of the resurrection and agents of God's love and mercy in the world.

Let us journey as one Universal Church, conscious of our local settings but journeying together, deepening our faith as well as broadening our perspective on every aspect of being a Missionary Disciple of the Risen Lord.

My prayers remain with all of you. A happy and blessed Easter to everyone.

Most Reverend Julian Leow
Beng Kim Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur