Easter
As Lent draws to a close this year, I find myself filled with relief, not solely because of the impending Easter festivities and the allure of indulging in Cadbury dark chocolate eggs.
This Lenten season has been particularly challenging. While some of the struggles stemmed from external factors unrelated to Lent itself, the relentless stream of distressing news served as a stark reminder of the world’s brokenness and our need for redemption. Indeed, in the face of this broken and harsh reality, the need for a savior becomes ever more apparent—to rescue both the world and ourselves.
If I may be candid, my personal Lenten journey was fraught with difficulties, primarily in maintaining the commitments I had made. None of these commitments were overly burdensome, yet they required a level of discipline and sacrifice that proved arduous this year.
Without delving into the specifics, let’s just say there were moments when I faltered. Instances where an expletive slipped from my tongue, only to be met with a sharp reminder of my Lenten vow to abstain from such language—moments that epitomized the struggle of this Lenten season.
But amidst the trials and tribulations, I find solace in the words of St. John Chrysostom, whose Easter homily resonates deeply with me. Revered by both Eastern and Western churches, St. John’s reflections encapsulate a profound love for humanity, mirroring the compassion of Christ Himself.
Embrace the Universal Bounty of Easter: An Invitation to Joyous Celebration
In the timeless words of St. Chrysostom, Easter extends its embrace to all, regardless of their Lenten journey. Whether one adhered strictly to the fast or faltered along the way, today beckons every soul to revel in the richness of its feast. Let the table be laden with abundance, where the calf is fatted for all to feast upon. No one shall depart hungry; all are invited to partake in the cup of faith, to savor the riches of divine goodness.
For indeed, forgiveness has triumphed over the grave. Whether one stumbled repeatedly or strode steadfastly through Lent, Easter offers the same reward to all. As St. Chrysostom reminds us, the invitation to the feast extends to the lazy and the diligent, the sober and the slothful, the affluent and the impoverished.
Reflecting upon the parable of the workers in the vineyard, we are reminded that divine grace knows no bounds. Just as each laborer received equal payment despite differing hours of toil, so too does Easter bestow its blessings universally.
Let us not relegate Easter to a fleeting moment but extend its jubilant spirit across forty days, as was once custom. As we emerge from the Lenten desert, let us rejoice with Cadbury eggs and special foods, expressing gratitude for the profound blessing that this greatest of feasts represents.
While other Lents may come and go, there is only one Easter event. Let us, therefore, remind the troubled world around us that there is, indeed, a joyous culmination awaiting all who embrace the message of Easter.
