We are interested in your theological as well as personal reflections.
Easter 2010 Blog Open Thread (II): Your Reflections on the Meaning of Easter this Year
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We are interested in your theological as well as personal reflections.
We are individually, corporately and globally so desperately in need of the recognition of our sin, the repentance of same and the salvation which the Father offers us through the sacrific of Jesus … and we are globally, nationally, ecclesially (sometimes) and individually often so far from entering that process. So thanks be to God! that I and you have seen the wretches we are and the glorious love the Father has for us, made possible by the sacrifice our Lord made for us – each and every one.
Our parish meets in the gym of an old school. I’m not sure how many were there, but the folding chairs were full and the parking lot near to overflowing. The colors are awful – except for today! – purple, yellow, blue. Today it was perfect. There’s even a painting of a horse rearing up – the school’s mascot was the Mustang.
One of my very favorite stories regarding our parish: Our first Easter there (2007) after forming (2006), the Sunday School leader decided to have the young ones make banners to process in with. Some had, “Alleluia”, some had “He is risen!”, etc. One had “Go Mustangs” … the child had insisted that’s what she wanted on her banner. I so wish we had a video or at least a photo….
Our tradition is bells brought by any and all for the Easter service. They are rung each time “Alleluia” is said or sung. It is a lovely cacophony. The little ones, of course, can’t really wait for the alleluias, so there tends to be a constant ringing through the service, with the only respite being during kids’ church. Nevertheless, it speaks so well to what we feel.
Alleluia!!!! He is risen! (ring, ring, ring)
He is risen, indeed! Alleluia, alleluia!!! (ring, ring, ring, ring)
[blockquote]Is there anyone who is a devout lover of God?
Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival!
Is there anyone who is a grateful servant?
Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!
Are there any weary with fasting?
Let them now receive their wages!
If any have toiled from the first hour,
let them receive their due reward;
If any have come after the third hour,
let him with gratitude join in the Feast!
And he that arrived after the sixth hour,
let him not doubt; for he too shall sustain no loss.
And if any delayed until the ninth hour,
let him not hesitate; but let him come too.
And he who arrived only at the eleventh hour,
let him not be afraid by reason of his delay.
For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first.
He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour,
as well as to him that toiled from the first.
To this one He gives, and upon another He bestows.
He accepts the works as He greets the endeavor.
The deed He honors and the intention He commends.
Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord!
First and last alike receive your reward;
rich and poor, rejoice together!
Sober and slothful, celebrate the day!
You that have kept the fast, and you that have not,
rejoice today for the Table is richly laden!
Feast royally on it, the calf is a fatted one.
Let no one go away hungry. Partake, all, of the cup of faith.
Enjoy all the riches of His goodness!
Let no one grieve at his poverty,
for the universal kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again;
for forgiveness has risen from the grave.
Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free.
He has destroyed it by enduring it.
He destroyed Hades when He descended into it.
He put it into an uproar even as it tasted of His flesh.
Isaiah foretold this when he said,
“You, O Hell, have been troubled by encountering Him below.”
Hell was in an uproar because it was done away with.
It was in an uproar because it is mocked.
It was in an uproar, for it is destroyed.
It is in an uproar, for it is annihilated.
It is in an uproar, for it is now made captive.
Hell took a body, and discovered God.
It took earth, and encountered Heaven.
It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see.
O death, where is thy sting?
O Hades, where is thy victory?
Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!
Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down!
Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is Risen, and life is liberated!
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 Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen![/blockquote]
-Paschal Sermon of St. John Chrysostom
Perhaps, if like me you have been brought up with the Easter story, you have not had the opportunity to think it all through from first principles.
For myself, these last few days have led me to reflect upon what happened to the one who came in fulfillment of the prophesies of Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22; who was despised and rejected, deserted and abandoned, and who bore it all.
For me what has opened up to me from this is the enormity of a love which would bear all this, suffer all this for a people who would do such things, and to contemplate what sort of God it is who will do all this out of love for us, and for me. I would like to be able to say that I am grateful; for that, I would have to be able to comprehend it, but I am very glad, and hope I can understand it more and get to know Him better.
Happy Easter