In his Easter message for 2026, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli recalls the story of the first Easter morning, reminding us that ‘as dawn breaks, a quiet truth emerges: death has not had the final word; life has arisen.’
In a world that is torn by conflict, he says, ‘Easter offers not escape but a way forward: to live with compassion, seek truth, build peace and stand for hope.’
‘In our divided and conflicted world, Easter offers not escape but a way forward: to live with compassion, seek truth, build peace and stand for hope.’
TRANSCRIPT
Friends,
Easter invites us to stand at the threshold from night into dawn. In the Gospel, we meet Mary Magdalen arriving at the tomb while it was still dark (John 20:1).
She carries grief and confusion, yet a fragile hope. What she finds is not an ending but a beginning: the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty. And before her stands the One who knows her name: Mary.
As dawn breaks, a quiet truth emerges: death has not had the final word; life has arisen.
The resurrection unfolds like morning light. It does not blind, but illumines. It does not erase wounds, but transfigures them. Christ, the Light of the World, comes to meet us as the light we need. Christ is present; Christ is life.
Yet many today experience absence. For the young especially, the world can feel stripped of mystery—flattened, reduced. Meaning feels distant; hope can seem lost. Our lives can appear dark and empty. Conflict and war confront us.
And yet, it is precisely there that Easter speaks our name. The empty tomb is the sign which awakens us to the truth that God is still with us; Jesus is still for us.
This Easter, we are called not only to receive Christ’s light but to rediscover its wonder—and to bear that light for others.
Here in Melbourne, we see both vitality and vulnerability: generosity among neighbours, yet distance towards others. Into this world comes the risen Christ, shining light into every darkness and upon every life.
To be a light is to reflect the One who brings hope, and to keep it alive in a world that can forget to hold in safety those in need.
In our divided and conflicted world, Easter offers not escape but a way forward: to live with compassion, seek truth, build peace and stand for hope.
To the steadfast in faith: may this Easter renew your joy and courage.
To those who feel distant: the light of Christ is already seeking you.
To people of goodwill: Easter proclaims that life is stronger than death, love stronger than fear, and hope stronger than despair.
May the risen Christ bless Melbourne and all its people this Easter.
And may we rediscover his company as we walk from darkness into his marvellous light.
Christ is risen. Alleluia!