Whom or what are we longing to see this Easter? It may be a long-awaited visit to our family home, some relatives visiting us, or meeting old friends on our extra days off. There’s something genuinely Christian about coming together, sharing a meal, or simply having a chat—restoring connections and showing kindness to each other, or trying to fix disagreements and find common ground again—for this we also need time.
Whom or what am I longing to see this Easter? I really wish to see some easing of conflict in the world: an Easter ceasefire instead of escalation, or signs of peace in places of war and crisis. In 2026 it’s clear that not only global news arrives at our doorstep through screens and radio, but we literally live in a global village where, for example, attacks on Iran result in higher fuel prices in London and worldwide, not to mention the impact that wars and conflicts have on our mental health, with all the insecurity created about the future. And yet, it may be inappropriate to compare our economic challenges to the realities of war on the ground. I wish there were finally real change in areas of conflict, because Dark Friday has been lasting in war zones for too long, including the Holy Land.
Whom or what are we longing to see this Easter? From a religious perspective, many of us have already dedicated more time to our faith and values throughout the Lenten season, preparing to greet with joy the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Now may be the time for festive meals, especially if some of us have been fasting. And Easter is also a time that focuses on our Christian faith; a liturgical year’s journey with Jesus, from Christmas to Easter, has been completed.
Interestingly, it was not one of the twelve disciples who first met Jesus after his resurrection. It was a woman who shared the message of hope about Christ: ’I have seen the Lord.’ Women across our churches—clergy and lay alike—proclaim the same Easter faith: ’Christ is risen!’ and ’He is risen indeed! Alleluia!’
Mary Magdalene was the first witness to the resurrection, the first to speak of the empty tomb, the first to announce that Christ was alive. And when we take that seriously, it becomes very difficult to justify any idea of male supremacy in the life and leadership of the Church, something we have seen recently, for example, in reactions to the appointment and installation of the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
What does the empty tomb and Christ’s resurrection mean for us? It is a strength beyond our limits, a new life beyond death, a hidden power in our vulnerability, because God is our strength. But the Easter message is not only a dream about a better future or eternal life; it is a change in this world as well. Easter brings a testimony of God’s power to turn loss into life; Jesus’ passion shows an example of faithfulness; and Easter is also about the unexpected hope and joy that God brings through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
We have a chance to live out the resurrection, to go to places of suffering and fear, and help make things better. Perhaps there is something we can do this Easter to bring about an end to hostilities: if not a ceasefire in Ukraine, then perhaps a resolution of conflict in our workplace, families, or neighbourhoods. And yet, even when nothing seems possible, when we helplessly watch news of events that should never have happened, we can still trust that Good Friday did not last forever, but was followed by the day of resurrection.
May Mary Magdalene’s witness become our own as we welcome another Easter: ’I have seen the Lord!’
Rev. Meelis Süld
CLC General Secretary
