It is the day of Resurrection, let us be radiant for the feast, and let us embrace one another. Let us say: Brethren, even to them that hate us, let us forgive all things on the Resurrection, and thus let us cry out:
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, And on those in the tombs bestowing life.
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To be forgiven is like being resurrected from the dead–to be given new life. To forgive is like raising someone from the dead. When I have not forgiven my brother he is separated from me, cold and unchanging–stuck in time, just like the dead– forever guilty in my mind of the offense against me. When I forgive, I restore life to our relationship, he is restored to me and once again is a living, breathing changing person–not the frozen corpse he had become in my heart when I buried him instead of forgiving him.
And to forgive restores me to life, as well. I cannot lock my brother in debtor’s prison without being sent to debtor’s prison, myself. When I kill and bury my brother with my refusal to forgive, I kill a part of myself and, like Cain, am cut off from the presence of God. Forgiveness restores me to life–and restores my relationship with both my brother and my God.
CHRIST IS RISEN!
Let me share with you the Paschal joy, and send you my hearty greetings.
– I was really impressed & deeply touched, when I began my church life, by the words of St John Chrysostom on Pascha, and among them –
“O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen! And you are overthrown. Christ is risen! Andthe demons are fallen. Christ is Risen! And the angels rejoice. Christ is Risen! And Life reigns. Christ is Risen! And not one dead remains in the grave.”
In tough moments I often say all his Paschal words, and when I face a temptation or a difficulty, I often repeat to myself: “O hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen!” St Chrysostom’s words, and also his life, his prayers I pronounce – help me to survive & bear up.
– I also often remember the magnificent words from the Hymn to the Theotokos: “Do not lament me O mother, seeing me in the tomb, the son conceived in the womb without seed. For I shall arise and be glorified with eternal glory as God…” Our Lord kept His promise, as He always does. And whatever grief or sorrows we have passed & which of them may lie in wait for us in the future, we know – they will be dissolved in God’s mercy, and He will give us much more to compensate everything. In future – we also know, that we’ll resurrect with Him, if we stick to Him during our temporary life, if we carry our crosses with Him.
Pascha…We have survived to this Day. One more time. One more Gift. On this Day we feel decisiveness to get rid of all gloomy sides of our nature, of earthy life, low thoughts. To put an end to our spiritual death, to resurrect for a new life – Christian life, not by manner only, but by inner sense – lightened by Christ’s Light. Life reigns. A Triumph of Life.
“For Christ, being risen from the dead,is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages. Amen “
Wishing you eternal gladness in Jesus Christ & thanking you,
Natalia