A love that “explodes” and moves the stones
I am writing this message to you in the context of the Jubilee Year, the theme of which is the hope that does not disappoint. As described by Saint Paul in his letter to the Romans, here, I quote the Apostle, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).
While wars ravage throughout the world, especially in the Holy Land and the Middle East, it is this love of God poured into us through the Spirit that gives us comfort and drives us on in our mission. This is a love that “explodes” and moves stones, as on that Easter day when the stone could no longer rest in front of the Tomb. Death was defeated forever that day, and for us, this is a certainty.
We are heirs of those who witnessed the empty tomb, that open sepulchre from which eternal life flowed in the light of the risen Lord. From there, we are sent to bear witness to it in the world; even when tragedy strikes, accompanied by the sound of sirens and the cries of mothers, fathers, and children who have lost a loved one. As disciples of the Conqueror of death, we lift our gaze with a word of hope for those around us too.
I invite you to join me in the joy of Easter, which this year will be celebrated on the same day by Catholics and Orthodox Christians, with the common acclamation, “Christòs anésti, Christ is risen!”
This synchrony is even more meaningful when considering that this year we celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, where the Creed, the heart of our faith, was established.
“I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth...
I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God...
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life...
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church…”
What importance do these words have in our lives and in our faith? Do we know what they mean?
This is the faith we profess, and for which many have given their lives, even to the point of martyrdom.
I wish you and your families a Happy Easter, and we ask God that the peace of the Risen One may be the real gift for the Holy Land.
Fernando Cardinal Filoni
(April 2025)