Let not the fear of death weaken us!

Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

Easter is a time when Christian churches celebrate life overcoming death, light piercing through darkness, reconciliation bridging divisions, and hope replacing despair. However, in today’s increasingly egoistic and aggressively domineering culture, it has become too luxurious and unattainable for anyone to remain hopeful.

While this message is being composed, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced different tariff schemes for countries and territories around the world. Global sentiments have turned bleak, worrisome and pessimistic. There are growing fears of a potential global recession. This could occur alongside regional warfare, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters that have been distressing our world. Those who will suffer the most are always those with little means and low international or social status.

What has happened to the so-called international community, which different countries have built up over the years since the Second World War? What about the recognised world order that has, in varying degrees, supported our approach to commerce, finance, cross-border mobilities, international socio-political affairs, and more? However, these conventions that we have mostly taken for granted seem to be dissolving before our eyes, with no apparent alternative world order available to instil confidence.

We can sense fundamental changes are happening, but we feel helpless in the face of them. Can we alter the course of changes that affect international sentiments? Or, must we play the role of sitting ducks, ready to be shot at?

Jesus Christ, Savior of the world and the Lord of history, has died for all of us, Christians or not. “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32). Nonetheless, this good news was not well received by all of his disciples after his death on the cross. A good number of them fled as they perceived him as a personal risk. Every hope and plan that included Jesus simply became pointless after his death on the cross.

But the most unlikely reports of his rising from the dead changed the entire narrative. What was pointless became meaningful. What was hopeless became hopeful. The stench of death was turned into the fragrance of resurrection. What seemed to be absolute and final was, in fact, a darkened phase awaiting the intrusion of God’s life-giving light. The light that tells the world that darkness is never absolute and that evil and death cannot have the last laugh. Therefore, what is of utmost importance for us and the world is that we must not lose hope even in the darkest hours of the night.

With the light of hope within us, we can be certain that, collectively, we can make a difference. Like the dejected followers of Jesus who encountered the risen Christ as they were leaving Jerusalem in utter disappointment, they returned to their community testifying to his resurrection with newfound hope after their encounter with the risen Christ (cf. Luke 24:13-35). They helped in the building up of their community with Easter hope.

What does this mean for us struggling to remain somewhat positive amid current situations where hope is fading away at a distressing rate? Disturbing changes are apparently inevitable while a new world order unknown to us seems to be in the making.

But because of Easter, death has become the gateway to the glory of eternal life for the entire humanity. We can remain hopeful in the Life that creates all lives and the Love that accompanies us even in the darkest hours. For God is that Life and Love. We can believe that death and change are gateways leading us to newer and greater horizons.

Never lose our hope against death, the ultimate weapon of evil. Should we allow ourselves to become helpless with the follies of evil, death will also become our final destiny. But Easter presents us with a totally different reality — one filled with infinite exciting possibilities and hope leading us to life. It is our choice as to which path to follow: death or resurrection. Have faith in the collective strength of hope and human willpower, as well as in our united actions as global citizens, not only patriots of our respective countries.

The God of life and love will always be with us, enlightening and empowering us, united in heart and mind for a greater good and a better life, especially for those who are the last, the lost and the least.

Last but not least, Christian churches in the East and West are celebrating Easter on the same day this year—a perfect opportunity to celebrate our common heritage. Have a blessed and hope-filled Easter throughout 2025 and beyond! Christ is indeed risen, Alleluia!

+ Stephen Cardinal Chow, S.J.