Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, Alleluia! For any number of you, the feast of Easter actually is a feast, as you have been fasting, praying, and giving alms over these last forty days. Feasting, and the joy that accompanies it, comes naturally because you’ve lived the contrast for this last month and a half. You know what it’s like to fast, and so you appreciate the feast all the more. To you I say: rejoice! Hear the Savior speak these words deep into your heart: “Well done my good and faithful servant; come, inherit your Master’s joy!” (Mt. 25:23)
For others (like myself, if I’m honest), we arrive at Easter not as well-prepared as we would like to be. We had goals and desires as we began the Lenten journey, but the cares and anxieties of daily life inhibited the growth of these little seeds of holiness (Mt. 13:7). Perhaps we come to this great feast of Easter having realized that we’re not as far along the spiritual journey as we thought we were. Maybe all we see is our flaws, failures, and sins and find it hard to feel the joy of the season. To you I say: rejoice! Hear the Savior speak these words deep into your heart: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Mt. 9:13). Christ has laid down his life for you because he loves you, whether you think you’re worthy or not. He has risen from the tomb to liberate you from everlasting death. Do not worry about what remains undone, but keep the Paschal feast with the same joy as those who fasted well. Join with me in giving thanks to God for his marvelous works, and then follow him more closely than ever before. That would be the best farewell gift you could give God on my behalf!
May the risen Lord bless you and keep you, and pray for me as I pray for you!