UPON THOSE IN THE TOMBS

(May 6)

“Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.” (Paschal Troparion-hymn)

Christ is risen! – as most of you have probably heard. I for one have heard the news many times, throughout the years, in previous celebrations of the beautiful Feast of Feasts, Pascha. And I’ve “heard” it in different ways, at different points in my life.

Let me truly “hear” the news of our Lord’s rising from “the dead” this Paschal season, that I may once again choose to “rise” in Him, and to receive wholeheartedly the life He is “bestowing,” yet not forcing, upon me. As I “rise” to the occasion of celebrating the Lord’s resurrection in these troubled times we are experiencing, I recognize that I have a choice, – either to be with “those in the tombs” and dead-ends of self-reliance and self-isolation outside of God’s grace, for example, holding on to resentments and other bad habits, or to re-connect with the risen Lord in some heartfelt prayer, embracing His forgiving and life-giving presence in my life, however or wherever it happens to be. Today “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord” (Ps 117/118: 17), because I have that choice. “Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered.” And let this Bright Monday be truly bright, in His presence.