A MESSAGE FROM FATHER LOU
Christ is Risen!
So What?
Christ is Risen! So what will that do to lower the price of gas? What about the dollar relative to the Euro and the rest of the world market? Will it keep inflation from happening? What will it do for Senators McCain, Clinton and Obama? Will it hasten a troop withdrawal in Iraq? Will it keep further “Columbine”, “Virginia Techs”, or even “9/11’s” from occurring? Will it help global warming? Will it help the AVS win the Stanley Cup? Or even assist the Nuggets get passed the first round in the NBA playoffs?
In the midst of the great annual journey of Great Lent, Holy Week and the eternally glorious event of our Lord’s death on the cross and life-giving Resurrection, it’s fair to say that the questions posed above receive more attention and focus from the vast majority of people, perhaps even people within the Church. Whereas all of these questions are of extreme importance, most of them pale in comparison to questions of life and death. And you see, “Christ is risen!” is an exclamation of life – a conquering of death by Life. In the final analysis, living out our lives in love for God, our neighbor and our self, sets in motion a life with God today, tomorrow and for all eternity even after our death here.
Economic stability is important, temporarily. A good president is helpful in this world. Entertainment can help us recreate for a time. Is it not fair to say that we often spend much too much time, effort and energy on things that are in the final analysis not that important? I am not saying that they are not important.
They just are not that important. But who is? God. God in Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God above us – the Father. God with us – the Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God within us – The Life-giving Spirit.
We are in the season of seasons. Pascha has dawned, our Lord is risen! This is a cosmic, eternal event that happened historically. In our remembrance of it the cosmic reality is enlivened within us. “…O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your 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 the grave. For Christ, being raised from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be Glory and dominion unto ages of ages.” (St. John Chrysostom – Paschal Sermon).
Christ is risen! So what? So you and I and everyone who chooses to, may live with Him today, tomorrow, and for all eternity. Truly He is risen!
With our Lord’s Blessings,
Fr. Lou
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