Christos Anesti!
I’ll be honest, after the joy and light of Pascha and all the celebrations, life often feels like it returns to normal. The Rhythm of work, responsibilities, and routine can make it seem as though nothing has changed. Fr. Tom always likes to say “It’s always sunny in Seattle!” Well, it was actually Sunny this week! Although we experienced visible light this week, work kept me so busy that I barely had the chance to savor the sunshine. We also received pretty big news at work this week about a very significant change to our firm. I probably should have been stressed or anxious about this, but something about this felt different. Dare I say I felt excitement. I really believe there was an inexplicable joy I am feeling that is holding me steady. As I reflect on this I am wondering if this was a sort of quiet power of the Resurrection that was continuing to resonate in my heart.
Outward Reality of an Inward Truth
“Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” Psalm 51:6
Fr. Tom often talks about the Outward Reality revealing an inward truth. I have been thinking about this constantly lately especially during Bright week. I think about the joyous outward celebration of Pascha with the candles, glowing light, and triumphant hymns. These aren’t just external beauty, they do something internally. These Bright Week celebrations are an invitation to look inward and uncover the transformative work of the Resurrection in our hearts. I think about times during Lent we are invited to look inward and deepen our connection with Christ. It can often be met with sadness, shame, pain and hurt. The Resurrection reminds us that we don’t have to live in the pain forever, at some point things WILL change. Christ is inviting us to come to the cross with Him. I like to look at Bright Week as a new chapter to remind us that it’s not just about the outward celebrations but the quiet transformation that occurs in our hearts.
Finding the Resurrection in Everyday Life
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Bright week calls us to embrace the outward signs of Pascha while looking inward to seek the wisdom and renewal that Christ offers us. Christ cultivates so much truth within us if we are willing to find it. We are invited to live authentically and deepen our connections. I really believe this is why attending Church is so important. Celebrating Christ’s Resurrection through sacraments, hymns and community can help bridge that connection inwardly with Christ. The Resurrection also unites us as one Body of Christ, transcending differences and binding us together. The Resurrection is a reality that calls us to love and support one another.
A Living Resurrection
Let us not tuck away the Resurrection until next Pascha. The Resurrection is a living reality that we celebrate every Sunday and Feast Day. Let us not just rejoice on Pascha, but every day going forward. As the Paschal Canon exclaims: “This is the day of Resurrection! Let us be radiant!” We are called to be bearers of Paschal joy to others, living reflections of Christ’s love and victory over death.
As I close I leave you with two questions:
How has the Resurrection transformed your thoughts and actions?
How does the quiet joy you carry reflect the eternal light of the Resurrection?
Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.
