May 2009 Kandili
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER LOU
Christ is Risen! So What?
(an article reprinted with some minor changes from a past Pascha Kandili message)
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 often receive more attention and focus from the vast majority of people, perhaps even people within the Church. Whereas all of these questions are of 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. LouOn behalf of Fr. Paul, Fr. Dino, and our Parish Council I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this Great Lent, Holy Week and Pascha such a blessed time. You all did a beautiful job for the glory of our Loving Lord.
God grant eternal rest to the soul of Dennis Mantas, who tragically lost his life in a fire at their home on April 23. We wish Maria, Jason, Michelle, Danny, Alexa and their entire extended family and friends God’s grace and strength at this most challenging time. Dennis was a very special part of our Parish and we will miss him greatly. May his love and generosity – and even humor – continue to be a part of our lives for generations to come, as a reflection of God’s love and grace!