Reflections for Easter
Sarah Mallon, Supporter Engagement Officer for West Scotland, reflects on celebrating the joy of the glorious Easter feast while remembering those suffering around the world as their lives are devastated by violence and instability.
Easter Sunday has finally arrived, and in churches and Christian homes around the world, this day will be greeted with great joy and celebration. Our saviour has risen, and hope has returned. The joy of attending church for Easter feels new to me every year – as we listen to the Gospel account, and experience through the disciples the seemingly impossible truth that Jesus is alive and with us. He has triumphed over death and despair.
Yet, this joyful feast arrives at a time when suffering and instability seem to be all around. In recent weeks, we have followed news reports of violence unfolding in the Middle East, endangering families across several countries and giving rise to a new season of political uncertainty.
Meanwhile at Mary’s Meals, our crisis appeal for Haiti has been a particular focus. Haiti is facing the worst hunger crisis in its history. Gang violence has reached unprecedented levels, devastating the economy and people’s lives. Armed groups control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and shootings, kidnappings, arson and looting are now daily occurrences and increasingly target ordinary civilians.
As I read through the experiences of families in Haiti whose lives have been upturned by the violence, it brings to mind the complete hopelessness and darkness experienced on Good Friday by all who loved Jesus. Communities across Haiti are facing difficulties on all fronts – gangs are taking control of areas that were previously considered safe and stable; hunger is rife, with over half of the population lacking enough food; and inflation is rising, making it more difficult for families to afford the basics.
In the midst of this seemingly hopeless situation – and one of the most dangerous Mary’s Meals has ever worked in – we are working together with three expert local partners to keep providing vital school meals for tens of thousands of children caught up in this devastating crisis.
Mary’s Meals is providing a light in the darkness in Haiti. For children and families, our school meals are more than vital nutrition – they also offer safety, routine and hope.
As surely as Easter Sunday follows Good Friday, we must believe that God has a more hopeful future in store for Haiti. This verse from Christina Rossetti’s poem Easter Morning brings this to life beautifully:
"To sinful man, if only he
His errings will confess with sorrow,
Then, after earth’s night-misery
Shall dawn a glorious morrow."
Let us enter fully into our celebrations on this glorious Easter feast. But let us not forget the families in Haiti and around the world who are still in the depths of suffering. We pray for an end to violence and for a brighter future where communities may heal, rebuild and experience lasting peace.
