Hope not based on wishful thinking, says Singapore prelate in Easter message

The archbishop of Singapore stressed that for Christians, hope is never based on wishful thinking but rooted in faith and charity.

In his Easter message, Archbishop William Cardinal Goh said that hope is in knowing that God loves the world.

“Even in our suffering, He will give us grace to overcome all difficulties and trials in life, that He will give us the wisdom and means to recreate this world into a better place for all,” he said.

Taking note of the Jubilee Year’s theme of hope, the archbishop underlined its importance in today’s world full of “poverty, sickness, innocent suffering, the death of our loved ones, ecological disasters, economic pressures, war, and persecution.”

“Without hope, mankind will give up all efforts to further the development of humanity and society, and to work for justice and peace,” he said.

Reflecting on the Lord’s resurrection, Cardinal Goh said that Christ coming back from the dead is a testament to how love is stronger than hatred and death.

“The resurrection of our Lord assures us when everything looks hopeless, God will reveal His glory and His light. The Father raised up His Son, who had been condemned as a criminal and put to death. By so doing, the Father vindicated the words and works of His Son,” he said.

He emphasized how Jesus’ resurrection serves as an inspiration to cling to the Father’s mercy and love “even when we feel lost, alone, and abandoned by our loved ones.”

“So long as we have faith in God, there is endless hope. Without faith, it is a hopeless end,” said the prelate.

In line with this, the archbishop urged the faithful to “share, in charity, the fullness of life in Christ with others.”

“Let us therefore be an Alleluia people who live for others, giving hope to those who are hopeless, and not just by doing good,” said Cardinal Goh.

“The greatest gift we can give anyone is the gift of the Risen Christ. Only He as the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us can lead us to the fullness of life,” he also said.