March 31, 2024
Over this Easter Weekend, the International Interfaith Network of ICHRP would like to present four Prayers for Peace, which we will publish daily over the weekend. These prayers were submitted by members of the Interfaith Network. They help us reflect on our role as people of faith in the struggle for justice, peace, and human rights in the Philippines.
Today’s prayer was written by Chris Ferguson of the United Church of Canada, and International Professor for Peace and Justice at Universidad Reformada, Colombia.
O God of Life: In the midst of suffering, oppression, persecution, violence, intimidation, impoverishment, red-tagging, bombing and death, the crucified peoples of the Philippines bear witness to the power of the Resurrection in history, as they affirm through their struggle and resistance, that hope is more powerful than resignation and that even in the face of colonization and Empire, death does not have the last word.
This Easter Day we give thanks for your hope-filled YES to life, freedom and justice seen in the rising up of the crucified people of the Philippines as they affirm their solidarity and dignity and seek to overturn injustice and demand a just and lasting peace. In this rising up to seek abundant life for all, we cry out: Christ is risen! Risen indeed!
Amen and Amen.