Have hope this Easter

On Sunday, at St Peter’s Anglican Church in East Maitland, Father David Battrick used his morning address to spread a message of hope and urged his congregation to not give in to fear.

His message comes in the wake of yet another wave of deadly terrorist attacks in Europe last week and no foreseeable end to the refugee crisis. 

“Many people in our world suffer the effects of violence, insurrection, the loss of homes, the loss of livelihoods, the breakdown of familiar landmarks and civilisation,” he said.

He gave his address standing in front of a cross the children of the church community had made from flowers on Good Friday.

“The suffering of parents and children, the nations and friends.

“[Many people suffer] the effects of terrorism both directly and indirectly.”

While he stopped short of mentioning the Brussels’ attacks by name, he drew parallels between the sense of global instability and the fear felt by Jesus’ disciples following the prophet’s death.

“And it is into this reality, of this fear and suffering, that we hear the words of Jesus on this Easter morning.

“Do not be afraid.”

Father Battrick’s message echoes that of Pope Francis who lead the Catholic Church into a solemn Easter celebration after the attack.

"Let us not allow darkness and fear to distract us and control us," the pontiff said at an Easter vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.

Father Battrick told The Mercury he felt this Easter was a particularly important time for people to fight the urge to withdraw and divide. 

“By loving we are drawn out of our insular selves and into the community,” he said.

“Fear makes us isolated and alone, both as individuals and a nation.

“Have hope.

“I hope that message has a sense of realism too.”

Easter services were held across Anglican, Catholic, Uniting, Presbyterian and other churches in the Hunter to mark the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.