South Korean Archbishop: ‘At Easter, our lives intertwine with the Eternal’

By Vatican News

In his Easter message for 2024, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-Taick, OCD, Archbishop of Seoul, reflects on the increase of our collective longevity.

He recalls that just a few decades ago in Korea, it was customary to celebrate the 60th birthday with great splendour in a ceremony called "Hwangap."

However, with the increase in life expectancy, now even the celebration of the seventieth birthday, tends to be avoided, as it is perceived that there is still a lengthy life journey ahead. Statistics reveal that the average lifespan of Korean women is around 86 years, while for men it is about 81 years.

"However," the Archbishop notes, "if our earthly existence concludes after 80-90 years, what significance does it have in the vast tapestry of millennia of history? What meaning does it add to the story of this land and the universe if our individual life remains disconnected from the eternal?"

Referring to a tenent of communism, the Archbishop argues that "faith in the resurrection of Jesus is not like opium that helps us escape from this troubled world, as Karl Marx said, but rather implies a deep recognition that our lives in this temporal realm are intertwined with the Eternal."

This certainty, he continues, "involves a sincere commitment to embrace life in its entirety, even amidst the trials of adversity, such as failure, illness, separation, and the erosion of love. The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope that these 'deaths' are not the endpoint but rather a new beginning, imbued with divine strength."

Glimmer of hope in deep-rooted division

Archbishop Chung Soon-Taick also speaks about the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

"Faith in the resurrection of Jesus offers a glimmer of hope that even the deep-rooted division on the Korean Peninsula may ultimately resolve into a future of unified existence," he writes, and may transform "into a rebirth of harmonious cohabitation and shared prosperity."

And he continues, "may the transformative power and hope embodied in the resurrection envelop all those grappling with adversity, especially our brothers in the North."

According to the Archbishop, the path to follow, then, is that of dialogue. "Authentic dialogue has the potential to transcend conflicts and divisions, fostering empathy and understanding towards others,” he writes. “Political leaders have the profound duty to guide the trajectory of their nations towards the development and collective well-being of their peoples."

A call to exercise judicious discernment

Archbishop Chung Soon-Taick concludes his message with a petition in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections on April 10.

"It becomes imperative for us, citizens of a democratic society, to exercise judicious discernment in the upcoming electoral process, electing leaders who are unequivocally dedicated to serving the interests of the people. Amid personal and social challenges, the resurrection of Jesus Christ serves as a beacon of hope, anchoring our faith in the potential for redemption and renewal."

(Source: Fides News Agency)