Episode Transcript
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Each time we've tuned into the news
over recent months,
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there seems to be more and more
that is worrying and depressing.
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The attacks on innocent participants at a Jewish
Hanukkah celebration in Bondi last December
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shocked us all and made us reassess the tolerance,
harmony, and solidarity
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that we value so highly as a central part
of our Australian community.
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Then the recent eruption of war in the Middle East
has made clear how unstable the global situation is.
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Alongside these broader concerns, families
continue to face personal struggles,
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tensions, separations, sickness, and bereavements
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which are exacerbated by worries about the
ongoing pressure from rising costs of living.
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In the midst of this pain, suffering and uncertainty
which is so much part of our human experience,
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Christians proclaim an Easter message of joy and hope.
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In His crucifixion, Jesus entered into the depths of
the pain that is part of our human experience,
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assuring us that God walks with us in the darkest
moments of our lives and never abandons us.
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Then in His resurrection, we see that God's
love and faithfulness
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is more powerful even than death.
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At Easter each year, we renew our
baptismal promises,
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recalling our commitment to follow
Jesus as His disciples,
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even to the giving of Himself
on the cross.
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And at the same time, celebrating our confidence
in God's promise to share with us
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the new life of Jesus resurrection.
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As we celebrate Easter, may we
continue our journey of discipleship,
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renewing our trust in Jesus' faithful
presence alongside us
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and our joy and hope in the power
of God's saving love,
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which in Jesus resurrection
triumphs even over death.
