An Easter Prayer

                                 

  Blessed Easter!!!!  

Easter is upon us! May we rejoice this day and throughout the entire Easter season, which does not last just one day, but fifty days to Pentecost Sunday. With the joy of the Risen Lord fresh in our hearts and minds, may we remember to praise God, thanking Him for the great gift of our salvation. Like the Apostles, we should be filled with joy, for when Jesus conquered death, He opened the gates of heaven for us, so we might share Eternal Life with Him. 

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As St. John Chrysostom spoke, “O Death, where is thy sting? O Hell, where is thy victory? Christ is risen, and thou art overthrown! Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen! Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is risen, and life reigns! Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.”

Saint Gregory the Great's Easter Prayer

It is only right, with all the powers of our heart and mind, to praise You Father and Your Only-begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Dear Father, by Your wondrous condescension of loving-kindness toward us, Your servants, You gave up Your Son. Dear Jesus, You paid the debt of Adam for us to the Eternal Father by Your Blood poured fourth in loving-kindness. You cleared away the darkness of sin by Your magnificent and radiant Resurrection. You broke the bonds of death and rose from the grave as a Conqueror. You reconciled heaven and earth. Our life had no hope of eternal happiness before You redeemed us. Your Resurrection has washed away our sins, restored our innocence and brought us joy. How inestimable is the tenderness of Your love!

God bless!  I pray you have a happy Easter season!

+JMJ