Some people see irony in the fact that Christ was born, crucified and resurrected in a part of the world that is in a perpetual state of conflict and violence. After all, his message and ministry was all about love and kindness; about putting the needs of others ahead of one's own. Yet even his birthplace remains in the grip of grudges that are centuries old, handed down to new generations like precious heirlooms.
And yet the geography of his mortal life is rich in meaning. Christ's sacrifice brings hope and redemption even when things look the darkest. He can save even the most oppressed, or the most oppressive, if they will turn to him.
This Easter finds that part of the world in a familiar state — not much changed from years past. Israelis and Palestinians still are grasping for ways to get along, with the recent electoral triumph of Hamas building fears of further violence. Not too far away, Iraq remains in conflict as sectarian violence and terrorism threaten to undermine the best efforts of coalition forces to establish freedom and democracy.
The world's problems certainly don't begin and end in the Middle East. Many nations teetering between democracy and oppression are struggling with rigged elections or with charismatic leaders who promise the world while lining their own pockets. The leader of Belarus was sworn into another term despite near universal condemnation of the election that put him there, and he has threatened to crush any dissenters.
But the message of Easter never has been about political movements and power in high places. It has always been about the movements within a person's heart.
Humans everywhere share a universal passion for freedom, and the Easter story is freedom's ultimate anthem. In the mortal world, individuals often are called upon to risk everything, including their lives, to fight for causes much larger than themselves. But Christ gave his life, and more, for the cause of each individual.
The Resurrection is an unparalleled promise to a world of sorrow, where death is the ultimate threat and tragedy. And Christ extends this promise to everyone, even those who do not believe or who go out of their way to belittle it.
That can be difficult to remember as conflicts rage and as Americans worry what terrorists may be planning next. But there is no irony that such a thing exists amid so much sorrow. There is only hope — for a world that could be so much better today, and for a glorious tomorrow.