from a Homily of St. John Chrysostom

“Is there anyone who is a devout lover of God? Let them enjoy the beautiful bright festival of Easter! Is there anyone who is a grateful servant? Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!

“Are there any weary with Lenten fasting? Let them now receive their wages! If any have toiled from the first hour, let them receive their due reward; If any have come after the third hour, let him with gratitude join in the Feast! And he that arrived after the sixth hour, let him not doubt; for he too shall sustain no loss. And if any delayed until the ninth hour, let him not hesitate; but let him come too. And he who arrived only at the eleventh hour, let him not be afraid by reason of his delay.

“For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first … To this one He gives, and upon another He bestows. He accepts the works as He greets the endeavor. The deed He honors and the intention He commends.

“Let no one grieve at his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again; for forgiveness has risen from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free. He has destroyed it by enduring it.”

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May the Lord sustain you in Lenten prayer, penance and almsgiving, and so lead you to Easter joy with mind and heart renewed, the gift of the Risen Christ to those who believe.

+MOST REVEREND LEONARD P. BLAIR
BISHOP OF TOLEDO