“The word ‘God’ is a verb.” This is not an error of a schoolchild grappling with grammar. I first heard this phrase as a student from the Croatian Jesuit theologian Rudolf Brajičić (+2007). His message was simple: don’t seek God as a distant, static object. If it doesn’t touch you, if it doesn’t change you—then it is not God.

But what action does the verb ‘God’ perform? Philosophers say it is “to be.” Mystics say it is “to love.” I believe that when these two are united and applied to our human condition, they become “to resurrect” or “to raise.” God’s word to humanity, to each of us, is this: “Rise up!”

In my own life, God has worked in many ways. But the most tangible, the most meaningful for me, has been how he lifted me up—raising me from powerlessness, ignorance, guilt, and fear. Every time I was down, on my knees, God spoke the word “Rise!”—in all its forms. That is what God does by definition. That is the Bible in a single word.

When Pope Francis chose hope as the central theme for the Jubilee Year 2025, he did so with purpose. It has always been difficult to convince world leaders to pursue peace, justice, solidarity, and care for our common home. Now, they unashamedly move in the opposite direction, and we feel powerless in the face of it. When hope is threatened and anxiety swells, the word “Rise up!” resonates as our Christian message to everyone. It is a word of comfort—and a call to action.

This is my hope and prayer for each of you, and for the Society of Jesus in Europe this Easter: that we may be touched and transformed by the same grace that brought about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Jesuit Conference of European Provincials wishes you a Happy Easter!