Nobel Peace Prize recipient Bishop
Desmond Tutu of South Africa wrote an Easter text which provides us with fruit
for reflection. As you read the text, consider how it might come to life in your
life by the way you think about things, especially during times of conflict and
difficulty. See if your heart can open to the hope which the text
offers. Here it is:
Goodness is stronger than evil;
Love is stronger than hate;
Light is stronger than darkness;
Life is stronger than death.
Victory is ours, through him who loved us.
Sometimes it seems like evil,
hatred, darkness and death are getting the upper hand in our world and in our
lives. But they are mere shadows when seen from the perspective offered
by the Resurrection of our Lord. Shadows have no real substance; shadows are
temporary; they are illusory like wisps and ghosts in the face of true life.
Just consider the Crucifixion and death of Jesus: at the time He was hanging on
the cross, it looked like evil had won the battle over goodness and life.
But those victories were
illusions. Even during this time when there is much hatred and violence and
turmoil in our world, what we witness in horror is not the final word in the
evolution of the world. In the face of all that is happening, our task is to
continue to life a Resurrection life:
Live and practice goodness.
Live and practice love.
Choose to live in light and
to spread that light where you can.
Choose life in all of its
aspects.
Consider, if you will, how it
may be possible, in God’s grace, for you and me to apply and give witness to
goodness, love, light and life. For each of us, the answer will be different.
It might be helpful if you can think of people in your life who demonstrate
each of these qualities. That would be a good start. From there, go on to claim
the victory!
God bless you with goodness,
love, light and life.
