
Even as we talk about life, about resurrection, death continues to happen.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Israel continues to conduct airstrikes in Syria, we are still warring with one another in the world.
This morning, even after pleas for mercy, Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam was executed by the State here in Singapore.
i am grateful for all of you who have showed up at the candlelight vigil for Nagen and Datch at Hong Lim Park on Monday evening – as well as all the different ways you have supported – through prayer, through reflecting on your position on the death penalty, through discussions with your friends.
i attended Nagen’s wake earlier today – it was heartbreaking. It is difficult to see resurrection in a moment like this. But even though i cannot see it, i have faith that God will continue to transform us as a people who will embrace justice and mercy, and one day the death penalty will be no more.
So may we put our lives working towards the day where resurrection power echoes everywhere – when we will learn of war no more, when we will kill no more, when the kin-dom of God will be here on earth – where “God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Rev 21:4) God will make things new, and God is inviting us to participate in that work.
Shalom,
miak