Like Jesus on the Cross, Sri Lanka thirsts for justice
Colombo (AsiaNews) - "Like Jesus on the Cross, Sri Lanka thirsts. For justice, for love, for peace". In his message for Lent, Harold Anthony Perera, bishop of Galle and president of the national justice and peace commission, tries to explain to the faithful the importance of enduring the pain inflicted by the civil war underway in the country, taking the sacrifice of Christ as their example and motivation for hope.
"On the Cross", the prelate writes, "Jesus knew well that he was not guilty, but was forced to suffer pain, oppression, and death in order to obtain victory over evil on behalf of the innocent. Jesus dedicated his victory to God. He knew that through his suffering the word of the Scriptures was fulfilled".
According to Bishop Perera, the population of Sri Lanka is living in a condition similar to that of Christ during his Passion. "Our society", he writes, "even if it is innocent, must undergo violence, suffering, poverty, abuse, and exploitation. Our people, too, without food, homes, or defence, are nailed to a cross and thirst for justice, love, truth, and equality". "The current situation", charges the bishop, whose diocese was struck by this tsunami in 2005 , "is the result of natural and human disasters. In this moment, Jesus is living in these persons, who are facing social, economic, and political discrimination, and thus he is reminding us of his words: whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). For this reason, Bishop Perera invites the entire community to dedicate Lent to "reconciliation and sacrifice"; to carrying out "simple acts of love and compassion toward our thirsty brothers and sisters". "In this way", the bishop concludes, "we can hope to attain the spiritual transformation necessary to rebuild peace".
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