Press Releases
Easter Message 2012 from the Archbishop of Dublin & Bishop of Glendalough and Primate of Ireland
If the manger is the abiding image of Christmas, the garden is the abiding image of Easter. This is the place where it all happens in the half–light of resurrection. The patient expectation of Mary is rewarded by that most glorious of human reactions – her friend still recognizes her, knows her and calls her by name. Her own instinct is to respond in love. Respect simply flows from her, without contrivance, when she says: Rabbouni! in response to his: Mary!
The emptiness of sorrow which brings us through Holy Week to Easter Day is replaced by a different type of emptiness. It is an emptiness of expectation. A loving carefulness towards those who have been traumatized by the events of Good Friday in particular marches alongside it. This carefulness is shown by the very One who lived and died through it all and for all. All of who we are is under God.
As we embark on the Decade of Commemorations, each of them invested with political and religious meaning and with the potential for reconciliation, we would do well to hold before us such loving carefulness in relation to those whose ancient and modern memories will be trawled and exposed in this process. Clarity brings its complexity and need for compassion.
This Decade asks significant questions of the maturity of modern Ireland, both North and South, and of our capacity to ask the simplest of questions of one another with the deepest of graciousness: I am willing to tell you who I am. Please will you tell me who you are?
May the Alleluia! of Easter ring in your hearts during this great time of festival!
++Michael
The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin & Bishop of Glendalough and Primate of Ireland
Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough
087 2356472
Contact Details
Lynn Glanville
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