Easter Message From Bishop Riah,

Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem 1998 - 2007

 

With thanks to Bishop Riah for allowing Parish Window to reproduce his greeting for all churches that wish to use it in their magazine

 

To our Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

St. Paul's words, in his 1st letter to the Corinthians 15:14, were not addressed only to the believers of his times. They are addressed to us as well:

"If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is in vain. "I dare add: "Your celebrations, ours also, are in vein ".

 

In walking through the valley of death, Jesus overcame death, and on the 3rd day rose victorious. He fulfilled His promise: "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly"

 

Easter, my dear friends is not the event of yesterday, not the event of two thousand years ago. It is the event of today, day in and day out, in the lives of those totally committed to His mission in the world. What is His mission if not:

 

- Sharing hope with the hopeless, in hopeless situations and those in  despair Bridge building, standing for justice, and making peace:

- Feeding the hungry. healing the broken hearted , and uplifting the   marginalized

- Setting those in captivity free, releasing prisoners, and defeating crusades  of hate;

- Incarnating love in sharing life even in the midst of death.

 

May we be given grace to fulfill this mission, in our lives first, and those around us so that we ever be able to sing with joy:

 

CHRIST IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED . HALLELUIAH.  AMEN

 

+Bishop Riah & family

 

Bishop Riah Abu El Assal

 

Nazareth Easter 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easter Message

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