It was not the Lent I envisioned, but
morning follows night and joy comes with the dawn. It does not matter what WE do; what matters is what HE does. He rescues us, as we tend to sick children and those in need, respond to the exigencies of the day as generously as we are able, lift our thoughts to Him and wait for respite.
Here is a wise saying: “The day of prosperity makes one forget adversity” (Sir 11,25). Today the first sentence passed against us has been forgotten – more! not just forgotten but cancelled! This day has wiped away completely all remembrance of our condemnation. In former times childbearing took place in pain; now we are born without suffering. Formerly we were no more than flesh, born of the flesh; today, what is born is spirit, born of the Spirit. Yesterday we were born mere children of men; today we are born children of God. Yesterday we were cast out of heaven to the earth; today, he who reigns in the heavens makes us citizens of heaven. Yesterday, death reigned because of sin; today, thanks to him who is the Life, righteousness regains its might.
In former times one man opened for us the gates of death; today, the one man brings us back to life. Yesterday, life was lost to us because of death; but today, Life has destroyed death. Yesterday, shame caused us to hide ourselves beneath the fig tree; today, glory draws us towards the tree of life. Yesterday, disobedience expelled us from Paradise; today, our faith causes us to enter it. Once again the fruit of life is held out to us to be enjoyed as much as we wish. Once again the stream of Paradise, whose water irrigates us through the four rivers of the gospels (cf. Gn 2,10), comes to refresh the whole face of the Church…
From now on what are we to do but imitate the mountains and hills of the prophecies in their leaping for joy: “Mountains, skip like rams; hills, like lambs of the flock!” (Ps 114[113],4). “Come, then, let us sing joyfully to the Lord!” (Ps 95[94],1). He has broken the power of the enemy and raised up the great trophy of the cross… So let us say: “The Lord is a great God and a great king above all gods!” (Ps 95[94],3). He blesses the year by crowning it with his bounty (cf. Ps 65[64],12) and he gathers us together in spiritual chorus in Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory for endless ages. Amen.
Saint Gregory of Nyssa (c.335-395), monk and Bishop
Homily for the holy and life-giving Pasch; PG 46, 581
Comments