WATANI International
19 April 2009
Today Copts celebrate the Resurrection of Christ from the dead. They honour His Love and Redemption, His triumph over death and the great Salvation He granted mankind. These happy truths lead to peace for the soul, reconciliation with oneself, with the Lord, and with all others.
Among the messages I usually receive on my cell phone to wish me a Happy Easter, one particularly stood out this Easter. Fear not: for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God. The words come from Isaiah 43: 1-4; I felt they concern each one of us, and hence the compulsion to share them with my readers. I hope they fill each person who reads them with peace, tranquillity, and joy.
On this Easter Day I offer my best wishes to Pope Shenouda III and all the honourable clergy of the Coptic Church, as well as to all the heads of the churches in Egypt, their clergy and congregations. I ask the good Lord to fill us all, and our beloved Egypt, with His goodness and blessings.