Pope Benedict XVI in English - Weekly General Audience
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today’s General Audience takes place at the beginning
of the liturgical season of Easter, the joyful celebration of the resurrection of
Jesus from the dead. The Easter Sequence sings the victory of the Lord of life who,
after a heroic struggle with death, now lives triumphant. After the Via Crucis
of Good Friday, our solemn Easter Vigil sets us on a Via Lucis marked by consolation,
peace and hope. It is fundamental for our faith and our Christian witness
that we proclaim the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth as a real, historical event.
His resurrection was not a simple return to existence, but an entrance into a new
dimension of life meant to transform every human being, all history and the whole
cosmos. Saint Paul, writing to the Corinthians, reminded them of what was transmitted
from the beginning, namely that Christ died and rose from the dead in accordance with
the Scriptures. As the Suffering Servant of God, Jesus purified us from our guilt
by carrying our sins and interceding for us. By dying he put an end to death, and
by rising he brought new life to the world. May the joy of the resurrection of Christ
give us courage to live his Gospel faithfully and bear witness to it generously! *********** I
offer a warm welcome to all the English-speaking visitors and pilgrims present at
today’s audience. I extend particular greetings to the groups from England, Scotland,
Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Malta, Australia, Indonesia, Canada and the United States
of America. May your pilgrimage to the Eternal City strengthen your faith and renew
your love for the Lord, the Giver of Life. I wish all of you a happy Easter!