Jesus has shown us and our own experience confirms, that peace comes from forgiveness. Seeking forgiveness from those we have hurt, accepting forgiveness, extending forgiveness to those who have hurt us. The peace which Jesus gives does not overtake us in spite of ourselves. It is a gift which must be accepted, and worked at, in order to take root. We are endowed with incredible powers to love or hate, to forgive or to seek revenge, to share what we have with others or to snatch whatever we can for ourselves. The choices which Jesus made are clear for His life was one of love and forgiveness, of giving and healing.

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On this greatest day of the year, all fasting and somber thoughts are banished. As St. John Chrysostom announces in the famous Easter sermon, all are invited to the feast: “Let all then enter the joy of Our Lord! Both the first and the last and those who come after, enjoy your reward! Those who have kept the fast and those who have not, rejoice today for the table is richly spread. Let no one go away hungry. Let no one mourn that He has fallen again for forgiveness has risen from the grave. Let none fear death, for the death of our Savior has set us free. Christ is risen, and the tomb is emptied of the dead. For Christ, having risen from the dead is become the first-fruits for those who sleep. To Him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

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