The good message that Easter brings us all through the risen Christ is equally relevant to our nation, said Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Julian Leow Beng Kim in his 2018 Easter message today.

“This year, Easter comes in the midst of the general election campaign where many politicians, old and new, are encouraging us to trust them.

“Easter, politics and trust, can they go together? Yes! Because the Resurrection of Jesus, amazing as it seems to be, is about our human transformation that leads us to the fullness of life in God.

“As the Easter people of today, let us continue to trust the message that changes lives. Let us work for understanding, dialogue and mutual respect between people of different faiths and in our own communities,” the prelate said.

Leow called on people to pray for the nation and for “our politicians” that they would be guided towards working for a fair, just and harmonious society.

“The light of Easter must encourage us to put an end to all moral ills. It is time to turn our backs on dishonesty, bribery and corruption as well as violence and vengeance.

“It is about healing that which is wounded; it is about forgiving that which is wrong; it is about upholding justice and uplifting the oppressed and downtrodden and above all, it is about trusting that there is a better way for us to live together as Malaysians,” Leow said.

He urged Christians to embrace hope as a pivotal virtue.

“Whatever the circumstances, there is unfathomable hope. There is hope for those on the peripheries of society; hope for ‘governments and leaders’; hope for the Church; hope for you and for us striving to lead a holy life,” said the prelate.

Easter is the end of the 40-day season of Lent which began on Ash Wednesday on Feb 14, culminating with Holy Thursday on March 29 and Good Friday yesterday.

Tonight, Christians will celebrate the Easter Vigil in churches throughout the nation and Easter Sunday tomorrow.