Media Release

Mangaluru, Apr 20: "Jesus, the son of God came down to earth and took birth as human. He lived like us and experienced pain and suffering. But he did not commit sins. Problems and harassment are inevitable to those who walk on the path of truth and justice. Those who want to walk in the dark hate those who walk in the light. Lord Jesus had to die on the cross becoming their victim," said bishop Peter Paul Saldanha.

"But God made him rise from the dead as it was not possible for death to confine Him. The angels detailed the incident to Mary Magdeline on Sunday morning. Jesus meanwhile appeared to her and proved that he is alive. Jesus appeared to eleven of his disciples, and showed his nailed hands and ribs stabbed by spear. He bestowed Holy Spirit on his disciples saying that the sins forgiven by them will be forgiven and those that are not forgiven will not be forgiven.

"Jesus has said that He is the sacrificing Lamb of God that redresses the sins of the world and those who trust in Him will live in God forever. We will come back even after death in new life in the heavenly appearance. Our sins will be forgiven and we will be worthy of life. Those who are tired of bearing injustice will get justice in resurrection. If there was no resurrection, there would have been no reward for our problems and injustice that we bore.

"The assurance is written in the bible, just like it is shown on every tree leaf that falls in spring. The falling leaf is an indication of upcoming new shoot. The Easter festival is a beginning of our revival.

"Life is stronger than death. Light is greater than dreadful darkness. Truth that makes the heart pure is better than a cheating conscience. Easter festival is the festival of successful belief and assurance. Best compliments of Easter festival to all of you," he said.

Udupi: Love more powerful than hate, have faith in God - Bishop Gerald in Easter message

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Apr 20: Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of the diocese of Udupi, in his Easter message called upon the faithful to follow in the path of Jesus Christ and face the struggles of life with patience, kindness, love and hope.

In his message the bishop said, "Easter or the feast of Resurrection is the celebration that is done at the end of 40 days of Lenten period, which concludes with the Holy Week, during which the pain, suffering and death of Jesus on the cross is brought to memory by the Christians. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest miracle that has happened in the history of this world till date. Jesus Christ became the hope and saviour of all of us by becoming alive after his gruesome death on the cross. Due to his resurrection the mankind has got the hope of eternal life.

"The disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, who were scared and hopeless due to the death of Jesus Christ and the high handedness of the ruling officials of the time were rejuvenated by the resurrection of Christ. In addition, the feast of Easter proclaims the love and peace of Jesus throughout the world. This feast is also the celebration of the freedom of the people of God from bondage. So Easter not only propagates the Godly part but also new life, new creation, new invention within ourselves. It is also a signifies that death is not the end of life.

"Jesus Christ resurrected on the third day after dying on the cross. He defeated death by his resurrection and became victorious. The troubles, hardships and death we face in our life are not meaningless. Instead, they carry a deep meaning of God's plans, which he works through us. Though we get frustrated for sometime due to the hardships in our life, if we continue to keep utmost faith in God and bow to his will, for sure the darkness of troubles will get over and light of happiness will bestow in our life.

"Love is more powerful than hate. Let us celebrate the feast of Easter, which shows kindness on the humanity, regardless of caste and religion. Let this feast of resurrection, take all of us from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth and make us immortal by relieving us from the fear of death.

"I extend my warm greetings of the feast of Easter to all brothers and sisters. Let Jesus Christ, who defied death, bless and protect us all the time," the bishop said.