In light of the attacks on Brussels

By Dr Deidre Palmer
Moderator, Uniting Church SA

Posted Mar 23, 2016 in Faith

A revised Easter message from Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer, reflecting on the attacks on Brussels that took place on Tuesday 22 March. Read the original message here and watch it here.

As we approach Easter this year, our world is reeling from another act of violence that has targetted innocent people going about their ordinary activities. The bombing that has taken place in the airport and a train station in Brussels is an outrageous act – one that tragically echoes those in others parts of our world over the past 12 months.

An act of violence is at the heart of the Easter event – an innocent man, Jesus, the embodiment of God’s love and compassion, was executed. Jesus died on a cross because there were those who were threatened by his ministry – his message of love and justice, his advocacy for the poor and marginalised.

There are those in our world today who would undermine others who desire a world where we live at peace with one another, respecting our differences. Those who perpetrate acts of violence are committed to generating fear and hatred.

When Jesus died, his followers were thrown into fear and confusion. They were hiding in locked rooms. The Risen Christ came to them – reassuring them, overcoming their fear. Their lives were transformed. They dared to hope again and live courageously embodying God’s love and healing in their own lives.

For Christians the cross reminds us of Christ’s suffering for the life and ministry he lived. In the Cross, we see a God who suffers with us and who seeks to alleviate our suffering. In Christ’s resurrection we witness and experience God overcoming all that threatens to diminish us, all that may try to alienate us from God, from each other and from ourselves.

Christ’s vision of hope and love is expressed today as millions of people all over the world celebrate the central message of Easter and of the Christian message – Christ is Risen!

When suffering and trauma are fresh, as they are now in the wake of the attacks in Brussels, it can be difficult to believe in a message of love, hope and peace.

I have spoken with many people whose life experiences have been marked by suffering and trauma. Life has been a struggle. And yet, their experiences of a living relationship with Jesus have transformed their lives. Their lives are sustained by God’s love and hope.

Today in Jesus, people experience God’s message of hope that we can live differently. Love can shape our relationships. Equality, justice and peace can be the foundation of our societies. We can be reconciled to God and to each other. Healing and new beginnings are possible.

As we celebrate Easter, may you dare to hope, as we recall once more Christ’s message of love and peace for all the world.

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