St. Symeon writes, "Brothers and fathers, already Pascha, that joyous day, that day of all gladness and delight, the day of Christ’s Resurrection, has arrived in the annual cycle. Rather, it occurs daily and eternally in those who know its mystery, and so has filled our hearts with ineffable joy and exultation. At the same time, it has brought to an end the toil of the all-venerable Fast; or, better to say, it has perfected our souls and consoled them as well. Therefore, as you see, after inviting all the faithful together to rest and to thanksgiving, it has passed."
"For He sees the dispositions and intentions of our souls rather than the toils of our bodies, whereby we exercise ourselves in virtue, whether we intensify our asceticism out of eagerness of soul or practice less than the zealous because of the weakness of our bodies. In accordance with our intentions He measures out the prizes and the charisms of the Spirit to each one, either granting fame and glory to him who is zealous or leaving him still in a lowly state and in need of more strenuous purification."
"Most men believe in the Resurrection of Christ, but very few are they that have a clear vision thereof. Those who do not behold it cannot even worship Christ Jesus as Holy and Lord. As Scripture says, 'No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit,' and, elsewhere, 'God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.'"
"That most sacred phrase which is daily on our lips does not say, 'Having believed in the Resurrection of Christ,' but, 'Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the Holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless One.'"
Text: www.johnsanido...
CHRIST IS RISEN!
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