South Sudan: Easter Message
SSCC EASTER PASTORAL MESSAGE OF HOPE 2022
“… Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! …”(Luke 24: 5-6).
Today, we celebrate the event that gives us the hope that does not disappoint, the joyous news that “Jesus, who was crucified, has risen as He said”. (Matthew 28:6).
The Easter reality of the Resurrection offers concrete, tangible hope and consolation, but its message does not offer us a magic formula we might wish as an escape route from the difficult realities in our country. The silent spread of the pandemic COVID-19; the social and economic crisis hitting the poor especially; but also, the fact of the lack of trust and confidence among our key political leaders, which hinders and slows the spirit and will in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement of the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The Easter message of hope tells us concisely that “the crucified Jesus, none other, has risen from the dead”, adding that God the Father raised Him, who accomplished His saving will by taking upon Himself our weakness, infirmities, the weight of our sins, even our death. The wounds in His hands, feet and side are “the everlasting seal of His love for us”; and all who experience trials in body and spirit can find refuge in them and “receive the grace of the hope that does not disappoint.”
As we celebrate the Easter of the resurrection of hope, we have also started our spiritual preparation for Pastoral Visit of the Global Ecumenical Faith Leaders to the Republic of South Sudan, His Holiness Pope Francis; His Grace Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. Justin WELBY; and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland The Most Rt. Rev. lain GREENSHIELDS.
This historic Ecumenical pastoral pilgrimage is a follow-up of the April 2019 Spiritual Retreat and commitment of the political leaders to implement the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and give peace to the people of South Sudan. The gesture of the kneeling and kissing of the feet of the political leaders was a prophetic call for peace. However, the Ecumenical Pastoral Pilgrimage is also to confirm our faith and hope in the risen Lord.
May the Risen Lord comfort and sustain the people of South Sudan in the economic difficulties; and “inspire public authorities to act so that everyone, especially families in greatest need” can be provided with help in order to avoid sliding into deep poverty, a sad reality of hopelessness.
The Lord is truly risen Alleluia!
