Easter message from bishops: Peace must be preserved as there is no morally acceptable alternative

(Patria) - "Peace be with you" - is the common message of the bishops of the Bishops' Conference of BiH to the faithful, read by the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Monsignor Tomo Vukšić.

On that occasion, he emphasized the importance of Easter for Christians. He stated that the bishops, during this Lent when Jesus' salvific sacrifice was experienced, understood the fears of the faithful and the considerable unrest in their hearts.

- Given the current political situation in BiH, where the 'Dayton peace' is showing its weaknesses, in the message from the 92nd Plenary Session of the Bishops' Conference, we expressed hope that the current crisis will be overcome and peace preserved through sincere dialogue and respect for the rights of every nation and every individual - said Vukšić.

He emphasized that peace has no morally acceptable alternative.

- We called on all believers to pray, and those in positions of responsibility to engage in dialogue characterized by prudence, patience, and sincerity, and to recognize differences as true values of this country, not obstacles in building a just and orderly society - Vukšić pointed out.

He states that the hope of the bishops in BiH is not some irrational optimism, but has its strong foundation in faith in the risen Christ, which does not disappoint.

- Christ, who this Easter, like the frightened apostles in the upper room of the Last Supper, encourages us by rekindling the fire of faith within us: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God" - emphasized Vukšić.

On October 22, 1978, Saint Pope John Paul II, beginning his blessed mission to the Church as Christ's vicar and successor of Peter, invited all believers and all people of good will to open wide the doors to Christ.

- Let us also open ourselves, dear brothers and sisters, to the Risen Christ. Let us open the doors of our hearts and homes so that the light of the Risen One may illuminate us and fill us with the gift of peace and love, health and joy, and so that, renewed by the strength of faith in the Risen One, we may overcome all fears, disappointments, sorrows, and griefs. And may Christ's love rekindle the fire of Easter faith and hope in our hearts - emphasized Vukšić.

In their message, the bishops recalled that the Second Vatican Council, in the constitution on the Church in the modern world, teaches about peace that 'peace is not merely the absence of war, nor is it only the victory of one side over the other, nor is it the result of an imposed dominion. True and authentic peace is the fruit of justice' (Gaudium et Spes, 78).

- For the building of peace, a firm will to respect other people and nations and their dignity, and the committed fulfillment of brotherhood are absolutely necessary. Thus, peace is also the fruit of love which goes beyond what justice can achieve - this is a quote from one of the most official church documents.

The President of the Bishops' Conference of BiH, Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Monsignor Tomo Vukšić, clarifies that after Good Friday and the immense sorrow over the injustice done to Christ, today is a day of sadness and a day of silence.

And that is why there are no liturgical gatherings in churches, no celebrations, no singing, which will begin tonight with the Easter Vigil celebration, which actually marks the beginning of Easter joy due to Jesus' victory over death.