Easter Message (April 2026)

FAITH IN THE RISEN LORD GIVES US HOPE AND PEACE IN A TROUBLED WORLD

Alleluia! Christ the Lord is Risen! In a world plagued by conflict, the “rule of might”- using economic, military, and technological power rather than the rule of law- has made our world an unsafe place. Those in war-torn countries, especially the most vulnerable, suffer grave injustice, injury, displacement, and death.

Even those far from active war zones suffer the impact of supply chain disruptions, market turbulence, the loss of savings, high inflation, and other economic hardships.

Global food supplies are threatened, and the environmental consequences are disastrous. Many today are still living in “tombs,” taking refuge from bombardment, while others remain displaced from their homes.

What is the cause of all these wars? At the root is greed – for power, land, and economic advantage. It is the pursuit of one’s own national prosperity at the expense of others, regardless of the cost, when we should be sharing the world’s resources, encouraging healthy competition, and pursuing technological and economic progress together for the prosperity and growth of all people.

Seeking greatness through exploitation is counterproductive and ultimately self-destructive. The truly great serve the greater good of humanity, strengthening fraternity and respect for all.

As the Lord said to His apostles, “It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28).

Whether on the individual or collective level, in society or in international relationships, our desire for growth and success must be inclusive.

This is what the Risen Lord has come to reveal through His Passion, death, and resurrection. His first gift to the apostles upon His resurrection was peace: “Peace be with you.”

Christ’s resurrection is the Father’s seal of approval that the way to peace is through non-violence and selflessness. It was through Jesus’ refusal to retaliate against His enemies and detractors, and His selfless love for His people that hatred and division were overcome.

His Resurrection proves that love is more powerful than hate, and life is more powerful than death. It is mercy, compassion, forgiveness, humility, selflessness, and a deep faith in God’s justice that will restore peace to the world.

Indeed, the immense suffering caused by some global leaders is unspeakable – ironically, inflicted in the name of peace. The truth is that war cannot produce peace; only dialogue, mutual understanding, and inclusivity can.

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This is why, immediately after offering them the gift of peace, Jesus commanded His apostles to do likewise: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21).

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection, we must stand in the truth. Despite all the pain of injustice, we must be ready to forgive and bring peace to others.

The only way to heal the suffering of this world is to share our resources, treat each other with dignity, and be ready to forgive those who have failed. We can only overcome hatred and injustice with love and forgiveness. We need to work for peace both within our country and in the world.

We must also pray in a special way for leaders – political, corporate, or religious – that they may exercise mercy, compassion, and respect for a rule-based international order. Real peace in the world depends on the actions of our leaders and the policies they advocate.

Only prayer can bring real peace because without respect for God and His creation, we will destroy ourselves. Prayer helps us become conscious of the voice of God, enabling us to exercise true justice and mercy for all, irrespective of race, nation, and religion.

Prayer reinforces the truth that we have one Father and Creator, and that we are all brothers and sisters. We cannot claim to love God while harming His children, because every life is precious to Him – even that of our enemies.

So, let us never lose courage or hope. Let us cling to our faith in the Risen Lord who said, “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33).

This is God’s world. He will see us through these difficult times. Together, through the power of His Resurrection, let us establish the Kingdom of God by offering His forgiveness and living lives of peace.

Yours devotedly in Christ,

✠ William Cardinal Goh

Archbishop of Singapore

Promulgated on 5th April 2026

4 April 2026