‘How we’re capable of both great cruelty and kindness…’: In Easter address, King Charles reflects on ‘paradox of human life’ | World News

In his Easter message, King Charles III reflected on the “paradox of human life,” talking about both the cruelty and compassion inherent in humanity. His address came ahead of the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral, which he attended alongside Queen Camilla.
“One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness,” the King said in his message. “This paradox of human life runs through the Easter story and in the scenes that daily come before our eyes — at one moment, terrible images of human suffering and, in another, heroic acts in war torn countries where humanitarians of every kind risk their own lives to protect the lives of others.”
He continued, “A few weeks ago, I met many such people at a reception in Buckingham Palace and felt a profound sense of admiration for their resilience, courage and compassion.”
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‘Love is the greatest virtue’
“On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed the feet of many of those who would abandon Him. His humble action was a token of His love that knew no bounds or boundaries and is central to Chrian belief,” said the King.
“The love He showed when He walked the Earth reflected the Jewish ethic of caring for the stranger and those in need, a deep human instinct echoed in Islam and other religious traditions, and in the hearts of all who seek the good of others.”

He added, “the abiding message of Easter is that God so loved the world — the whole world — that He sent His son to live among us to show us how to love one another, and to lay down His own life for others in a love that proved stronger than death.”
“There are three virtues that the world still needs — faith, hope and love. ‘And the greatest of these is love’.”Story continues below this ad
A Royal tradition
The Royal Maundy Service, held each year on the Thursday before Easter, is a centuries-old tradition inspired Jesus’s act of washing the feet of his disciples. The monarch presents specially minted coins to individuals recognised for their Chrian service.

This year, 76 men and 76 women received the symbolic Maundy gifts, matching the King’s age.
The tradition was once centred in London but was moved around the country during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign to engage wider communities.
This year’s service was hosted at Durham Cathedral.
Queen Camilla joined her husband for the event after having stepped in for him last year when he was too unwell to attend due to cancer treatment. Despite a recent brief hospital stay in March, caused treatment side effects, King Charles has resumed royal duties, including a recent state visit to Italy and a reception at Buckingham Palace.
(With inputs from Reuters and Daily Mail)
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