Syrian refugees sheltering from the conflict

Easter is a time of celebrating new hope in our world. Jesus Christ through his death, resurrection and everlasting presence amongst us is the source of our strength.

In today’s troubled world we are called upon to be strong in the service of faith and above all, the promotion of peace and justice. As Christians we are to strive to be loving, merciful, truthful: active in bringing life and hope where there is suffering and the threat of death.

Pope Francis reminds us that ““The message which Christians bring to the world is this: Jesus, Love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God the Father raised him and made him the Lord of life and death. In Jesus, love has triumphed over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death.”

In the midst of our celebrations, let us not forget others who are struggling to survive in places where there is war and conflict.

Let us remember those who are being persecuted for their faith, especially in the Middle East.

Let us inform ourselves about the many thousands of our human family that are spending their Easter on the road as refugees, away from their homes (go to: http://en.jrs.net/).

Let us act and ask what actions we can take to address the impacts of forced migration here in Ireland (go to: JRS Ireland Advocacy and scroll down to “Get involved”)

Let us pray, as Pope Francis exhorts us, ““to pray in a particular way for Syria, beloved Syria, that all those suffering the effects of the conflict can receive needed humanitarian aid and that neither side will again use deadly force, especially against the defenseless civil population, but instead boldly negotiate the peace long awaited and long overdue!”

Let us hope for a peaceful, more just world, which is core to the fulfillment of our mission in the building of the Kingdom of God.

I wish you a very happy Easter. Our supporters have been amongst our greatest strengths over the years. Your prayers, material and moral support of our missionaries are an inspiration and source of joy to us at the Irish Jesuit Missions office.

Thank you all! And may Easter blessings and peace come to you and your loved ones.

““Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised”¦ Come, see the place where he lay” (Mt 28:5-6).

Peace,
John K Guiney SJ
1st April 2015