An Easter Reflection...

If you haven't heard the song "Christ is Risen" by Matt Maher, you need to stop reading this and skip down to the video right now. I have honestly never heard a more powerful, accurate, and beautiful Easter song. Unfortunately, the importance of the resurrection is often overshadowed by the picture of the cross these days. I'd dare say that most Christians don't know how vital the resurrection is to their salvation. Listen to this song then read the segment of a 4th century sermon posted below it. Dwell on the resurrection. Meditate on the victory over death. Rejoice in the beauty of new life. 

Paschal Homily

St. John Chrysostom

Let all partake of the feast of faith. Let all receive the riches of goodness.
   Let no one lament their poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed.
      Let no one mourn their transgressions, for pardon has dawned from the grave.
         Let no one fear death, for the Saviour's death has set us free.
         

            He that was taken by death has annihilated it!
               He descended into Hell and took Hell captive!
                  He embittered it when it tasted His flesh! And anticipating this, Isaiah exclaimed: "Hell
                  was embittered when it encountered Thee in the lower regions".

                     It was embittered, for it was abolished!
                        It was embittered, for it was mocked!
                           It was embittered, for it was purged!
                              It was embittered, for it was despoiled!
                                 It was embittered, for it was bound in chains!

            It took a body and came upon God!
               It took earth and encountered Ηeaven!
                  It took what it saw, but crumbled before what it had not seen!

O death, where is thy sting?
O Hell, where is thy victory?

   Christ is risen, and you are overthrown!
      Christ is risen, and the 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 a tomb!
For Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the first-fruits of them that have slept.
To Him be glory and might unto the ages of ages. 

Amen.