Easter Greetings from the Presiding Bishop
Greetings from Presiding Bishop Jerzy Samiec
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir,[b] if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,[c] “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,
Once again, we celebrate the most significant Christian holiday—the Resurrection of our Lord. Thanks to the Gospel passage from John 20:11–18, appointed for Easter Sunday, our thoughts focus on the empty tomb and Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus.
Mary stands at the tomb, weeping, feeling lost. Her sorrow is familiar to us—who among us has not experienced moments when all seemed lost, when life felt meaningless, or when despair obscured our hope?
And yet, it is precisely in such moments—in the darkness of morning, amidst tears and confusion—that Jesus comes to us. Like Mary, we often do not recognize Him right away. At times, we too fail to see His presence in our lives, especially in suffering. But He calls each of us by name. He speaks our name—and everything begins to change and gain new meaning!
May this season, this Easter, be a time for us to discover that Jesus is closer than we think. In our fears, in our sorrow, in life’s trials—He already stands beside us, ready to call us and restore our hope. May our encounter with Christ fill our hearts with faith, and may His words—“Go to my brothers and say to them”—give us strength to share the joy of the resurrection with others.
May the Risen Christ grant us peace, strength, and joy. He lives—and we live in Him!
Blessed Easter to you all!
Jerzy Samiec
Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland