Easter Reflection.
By, Rateb Y Rabie, KCHS
HCEF President and CEO
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Hallelujah! He is Risen! What good news this is for us! A risen Savior to give us new life! I believe we could all attest to the fact that Jesus is the perfect example of a merciful servant-leader, as he laid down his life that we might have life anew and eternal. With His death and resurrection we have been empowered to support and serve others!
In the heart of Easter, we, as Palestinian Christians, find ourselves enveloped in hope, a sentiment that magnifies during this sacred season. The Easter story teaches us of God’s boundless love and forgiveness, demonstrated through the profound sacrifice of His only Son. While we traverse the somberness of Good Friday, witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus, we also embrace the joy, hope, and renewal that the resurrection symbolizes.
In this time of reflection, our thoughts turn to our Christian brethren in the Holy Lands, who face daily trials amidst violence and turmoil. Their suffering is a stark reminder of the enduring human struggle for peace and justice.
We hold firm in our belief that God intervened in history, taking upon Himself the redemption of our flawed world. The Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land represent a vital link to the early Church, and we at HCEF commit ourselves to support these fellow believers through these challenging times. Our mission is to forge bonds of solidarity between Palestinians and the Western world, recognizing the disparities in freedom, prosperity, and resources. Despite the hardships they face, the faith and hope of these communities inspire us to act, bringing us joy in our ability to make a difference, however small, in their lives.
The Palestinian Arab Christians of the Holy Land are deeply intertwined with the narrative of spiritual triumph, as they not only internalize its significance but also inhabit the very land where these events unfolded. As we extend our prayers for their liberation from the despair and anxiety that overshadow their existence, it’s essential to heed their poignant message: “In the Holy Land, hope springs eternal for fresh illumination, enduring peace, and revitalized life. For we, dwellers of this sacred soil, have witnessed the power of resurrection firsthand.”
We recognize the pivotal role Palestinians, Christians, and Muslims alike, have played in preserving Christianity in the Holy Land for over two millennia. Since the advent of Islam in the seventh century, despite conversions, the Christian faith has been upheld by both communities, asserting that without the Palestinian people, Christianity’s presence in the Holy Land might have waned. This shared heritage is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith in the face of adversity.
Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here, he has risen! Luke 24:5-6.
Have a Blessed Easter
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