Homily on the Sunday of our Lord’s Holy Pascha
Christ is Risen - Truly He is Risen!
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:1-8
Today we Christ’s body the Church celebrate the great feast of feasts! The cause of all Joy! The Promise has been fulfilled! Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! He has freed us from evil via restoring humanity's dignity in which was lost when our first parents fell!
Thus, He who is the new Adam born of Eve Mariam Theotokos, grants all this night to taste and see that He the Lord is Good. On this one night all who come to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy are welcome to partake of the Mystery of Holy Communion orthodox and non-orthodox.
Hence, for those who have searched high and low for the life-giving spring (Jesus) to fill the well of their souls, it is on this All-Holy night that they are able to find that very life-giving water to be replenished, refreshed, healed and begin to have a true purpose in life; life that is lived in Jesus Christ!
St John Chrysostom writes in his Paschal homily regarding Holy-Communion stating - If any man be devout and love God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast. If any man be a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord. If any have laboured long in fasting, let him now receive his recompense. If any have wrought from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward. If any have come at the third hour, let him with thankfulness keep the feast. If any have arrived at the sixth hour, let him have no misgivings; because he shall in nowise be deprived thereof. If any have delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing. If any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness; for the Lord, who is jealous of his honour, will accept the last even as the first; He gives rest unto him who comes at the eleventh hour, even as unto him who has wrought from the first hour. St John Chrysostom
On contemplating my very first Pashca I remember feeling so peaceful. I felt the air outside was different to every other night. It felt like at that moment the Heavenly Kingdom had come to earth in order to Bless, Glorify and worship the risen Lord of Hosts.
Every year after that I have experienced the same feelings and sensations. Thus, the very feeling of Heaven on earth is exactly what happens at each and every Liturgy.
At the very moment the priest/bishop acclaims – Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and onto ages of ages; Heaven and earth join together - the communion of Saints, along with the bodiless hosts, accompanied by the Cherubim and Seraphim who are alongside us in worshiping the King of Glory who comes to be present amongst us in the Mystery of Holy Communion!
On Holy Friday the Holy Exarchate received a miracle to encourage and reassure us that we are not alone. The Holy icon of the Epitaphios began to seep pure olive oil from the Lord’s leg; running down to the edge of the Holy Icon.
Thus, just as the Lord Jesus promised - And these signs will accompany those who believe Mk 16:17
Sadly, we as people grow up and in growing up, we begin to start thinking that faith is for children and in believing in miracles and so forth people will mock us and call us all sorts of names.
However, what does the Lord say - "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Mt 18
Therefore, if one sees that they are beginning to disbelieve in such wonders, one can revert to the God of their childhood meaning – as children, when we thought or spoke to God we did so in a most comfortable way; as we would with our parents.
We did not fear God because as young children we knew and felt the great love He has for us.
Thus, as we know children are so innocent and pure at that very young age, they have the ability to see and hear Holy and Heavenly things.
I recall when my wife was pregnant with our first daughter Mia, every time she would receive Holy Communion Mia would leap for joy in her womb – for the children know their Lord the same Lord who welcomed them onto Him and they in turn acclaimed Him shouting Hosanna!
Therefore, what happened when the Holy Theotokos was pregnant with Jesus and she went to visit her cousin Elisabeth who was pregnant with Joh the Baptist - When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Lk 1:41
In addition, when Mia was a one-year-old I vividly remember her looking into the air whilst she babbled and laughed at something the we clearly couldn't see. It that same reaction she would give to let's say her grandparents whom she goes crazy for.
Therefore, as Christian parents it is our role to encourage them to never grow up and become uptight when it comes to our faith. We are to teach them as the domestic Church because that's where catechesis begins within the home via the works and action of the parents.
Never, at any time should we be afraid to be like the children when we approach the Lord our God! He waits for us at all times and in all places for us to call upon Him in order that He may bless us beyond all comprehension.
Thus, within Holy scripture Christ continually reaffirms to never be afraid even if we think to be the worst horrible sinners and so on, just as the story of the prodigal son – the Father is waiting for His children to return to Him with arms outstretched. The greatest image that we see is with God waiting for us with His arms open; ready to embrace us as He hangs upon the wood of the cross – over my dead body the ultimate sacrifice of a parent towards their children when peril lingers!
Moreover, did not the Apostle Peter deny Jesus thrice yet continued his ministry handing down the faith through the centuries? Therefore, we must never be afraid to pick ourselves up and move on because via Christ death, He also nailed sin to the wood of the cross so we may live in His fullness rather than merely exist!
In conclusion let us thank God that we are able to celebrate this Holy Pashca covid-free and as one family in Jesus Christ. May revert to the God of our childhood and never be afraid to approach Him for He loves mankind beyond conceiving.
Christ is risen from the dead – Trampling down death by His death – and upon those in the tombs He is bestowing life! Pashcal Troparion
Through the prayers of the Theotokos and Her spouse Joseph, Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us and save us!
Commentaires