Death has always been the end of life. Thus, many people fear it as evil and hateful destiny. Those who love the earth hate death above all. Jesus Christ gave us many marks of the end of earth and said: “So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near”. (Luke 21: 31)
Here we must emphasize that trials and tribulations increase the faith of Christians. I remember here the terrible scene of slaying Coptic martyrs in Libya in 2015, which came after a series of torture in order to force them to change their faith. They were forced to carry heavy sand bags and walk for long time after being stripped off under the heat of the sun. They believed the words of Jesus Christ when he said: “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! (Luke 12:4-5)
St. Peter Church in Cairo was bombed and 29 innocent people were killed during celebrating the holy mass including little children which reminds us of the words of Jesus Christ: “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service”. (John 16:2)
The two terrorist attacks against Coptic Churches on Palm Sunday really shocked the whole world. Yet, the Coptic Christians went to pray on the same evening and conducted their prayers in the streets fearing nothing, simply because they believe in resurrection. Christ has risen, truly he has risen.
