April 16, 2006

On this most joyous of days all the world is changed. Certainly our lives are changed, for the Risen Christ contradicts the post-modern assumption that there is no transcendent purpose to life and that existence is simply a moderated form of chaos. As the Holy Church on earth has survived unholy corruption and incompetence in many epochs to rise again, so is Benedict XVI pro­claiming the resurrection to souls afflicted today. Most joyous is the actual resurrection Christ promises to all who love him. “The dead shall be raised incorruptible” (1 Cor. 15:52).

Over our pulpit is a holy icon of St. John Chrysostom, patron of preachers, whose plain-speaking against feline courtiers and clerics 1,600 years ago brought exile upon him, but whose heroic virtue issued in eternal glory. Let his “golden mouth” preach of Easter to us:

Are there any who are devout lovers of God?
Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival!
Are there any who are grateful servants?
Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!
Are there any weary from fasting?
Let them now receive their due!
If any have toiled from the first hour, let them
      receive their reward.
If any have come after the third hour, let them
      with gratitude join in the feast!
Those who arrived after the sixth hour, let them not
      doubt; for they shall not be short-changed.
Those who have tarried until the ninth hour, let them
      not hesitate; but let them come too.
And those who arrived only at the eleventh hour,
      let them not be afraid by reason of their delay.
For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first.
The Lord gives rest to those who come at the eleventh hour,
      even as to those who toiled from the beginning.
To one and all the Lord gives generously.
The Lord accepts the offering of every work.
The Lord honors every deed and commends their intention.
Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord!
Hell was in turmoil having been eclipsed.
Hell was in turmoil having been mocked.
Hell was in turmoil having been destroyed.
Hell was in turmoil having been abolished.
Hell was in turmoil having been made captive.
Hell grasped a corpse, and met God.
Hell seized earth, and encountered heaven.
Hell took what it saw, and was overcome by what
   it could not see.
O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
Christ is risen, and you are cast down!
Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen!
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is risen, and life is set free!
Christ is risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead.
For Christ, having risen from the dead, is become
      the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Christ be glory and power forever and ever. Amen!