A call to peace in troubled times

On Easter Sunday, the Christian world pauses before a simple, yet profound greeting spoken by the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ: “Peace be with you.” These words, offered to fearful and uncertain disciples, were not merely a reassurance. They were a mission. Our mission. To seek peace in our hearts, among our communities, and across a fractured world.

In Malta, where Easter is woven deeply into our cultural and spiritual identity, this greeting carries particular resonance. Our villages come alive with processions, bells, and joyful proclamation. Yet beyond tradition lies a question that challenges each of us: what does it mean to truly live the peace of Easter?

It is easy to speak of peace in grand, global terms, but the Easter message begins within. Peace in our hearts is the first step.  

Jesus’s disciples were locked in fear before they could become messengers of hope. In our own lives, anxiety, resentment, and division often take root quietly. The Risen Christ does not ignore these realities; instead, he enters them and transforms them. 

“Peace be with you” is not a distant ideal; it is a personal encounter that calls us to reconciliation, forgiveness, and renewed trust. Among all races, all political and religious beliefs, and all peoples. 

However, Easter peace is not merely introspective. It is meant to radiate outwards, shaping how we live together.  

In Malta, as elsewhere, we face real tensions – political disagreement, social inequality, and the pressures of rapid change. Easter invites us to rediscover the value of dialogue, patience, and mutual respect. Peace is not built on uniformity, but on a willingness to listen and to uphold the dignity of every person. This matters just as much in our digital spaces, where it has become far too easy to denigrate and dehumanise others. 

This vision of peace finds strong echoes in the teaching of Pope Leo XIV, who has emphasised that true peace must be built “among nations, cultures, and religions.” His message reminds us that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and solidarity. It requires courage – the courage to move beyond fear of the other, to reject prejudice, and to embrace diversity as a gift rather than a threat. 

In a world marked by war and displacement, these words take on a global urgency. From regions scarred by violence to communities struggling with poverty and exclusion, the longing for peace is universal. Or rather, it should be. Peace cannot be imposed; it must be cultivated. As Pope Leo XIV teaches, it grows through encounter, through the patient work of understanding, cooperation, and shared responsibility. 

Peace cannot be imposed; it must be cultivated- Charles J. Scicluna

Easter offers a powerful foundation for this work. The Resurrection is not only a victory over death; it is a declaration that love is stronger than hatred, and that hope can emerge even from the darkest moments. It challenges the logic of retaliation and invites a new way of living rooted in mercy and reconciliation. 

For Malta, situated at the crossroads of cultures and histories, this message holds special significance. Our island has long been a meeting point between continents, a place where different peoples and traditions intersect. This unique position calls us to be a bridge, promoting dialogue between cultures and fostering respect among religions. Easter reminds us that this is not merely a political or social task, but a spiritual vocation.

The greeting “Peace be with you” is therefore both a gift and a responsibility. It is a gift we receive in faith, and a responsibility we are called to share. It asks us to become peacemakers in our families, our workplaces, and our communities. It challenges us to speak words that heal rather than divide, to act with compassion rather than indifference, and to build relationships grounded in trust. 

As we celebrate Easter Sunday, let us not allow its message to remain confined to ritual or tradition. Let it take root in our daily lives. Let it guide our choices, shape our attitudes, and inspire our actions. In a world often marked by noise and conflict, the quiet yet powerful greeting of the Risen Lord continues to echo: “Peace be with you.”

If we truly embrace these words, they can transform not only our hearts, but our society and, in time, our world.

Charles J. Scicluna is Archbishop of Malta.