He is Risen! Your Catholic Weekly Reflection from CMMB
“This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible.”
—Acts 10:40
In this Sunday’s reading, we revisit the momentous event that made reconciliation between life and death possible. Through His death on the cross, Jesus gave us the possibility of new life.
We would like to thank CMMB board member Father Michael Hilbert who has written today’s reflection. In the spirit of the reconciling power of Christ, Father Hilbert used this past week’s meeting of South Sudanese leaders in the Vatican to reflect on what Jesus’ resurrection means for us all—the transformation of human hatred, sin, and death into reconciliation, peace, and life.
Father Michael Hilbert
In an altogether unprecedented gathering last week at Pope Francis’s home in the Vatican, the political and religious leaders of the young nation of South Sudan prayed together for peace and reconciliation in their beleaguered country. The retreat was proposed by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, preached by the Nigerian Jesuit Father Orobator, S.J., and hosted by Pope Francis. It was an experience marked by interior recollection, trusting prayer, deep reflection, and encounters of reconciliation. It was also an extraordinary demonstration of our faith in the Resurrection of the Lord!
At the close of the two and half days of prayer, Fr. Orobator addressed the Holy Father on behalf of his fellow Africans. “The leaders leave renewed and committed to the task of working for peace, striving for reconciliation, and seeking justice for 13 million people: The South Sudanese, whose prayers and hopes they all carry.”
The Pope then greeted the group with the same comforting and encouraging words with which the risen Jesus greeted his disciples after the Resurrection: “Peace be with you.” “It is extremely important for us to realize,” said Francis, “that ‘peace’ was the very first word that the Lord spoke.” Peace is the first gift of Easter: “Peace I leave you, my peace I give you.” (John 14:27)
Peace is the first commitment that all leaders must pursue. Peace is the necessary condition for the development of a nation and the protection of the human rights of its citizens. We join in the song of the South Sudanese, “O God, we praise and glorify you for your grace on South Sudan; uphold us in peace and harmony.”
CMMB has been working in the Republic of South Sudan since 2009. Our focus on safe motherhood, child protection, safe water and sanitation, and women’s empowerment has always been inspired by the example of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
We rejoice on this Easter Day with our brothers and sisters around the world. In South Sudan, we applaud the national leaders, chosen by God and by the people, for their courage and dedication to their enormous responsibilities, and we share the joyful hope of fruitful service!
In the final moments of the retreat, Pope Francis stunned his guests by kneeling down and kissing the feet of the President of the Republic and the Vice-Presidents-designate. Francis begged them, “Remain in peace!”
May the Peace of Christ dwell in our hearts forever.
—Fr. Michael Hilbert, S.J.
Wishing you a blessed and joyful Easter,
CMMB/Healthier Lives Worldwide
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