These are the words of Saint Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55, but they were immortalized in an Easter homily by Saint John Chrysostom when he proclaimed:
“O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are 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.”
On this Easter Sunday, regardless of how difficult it may be for you, seek to set aside all of your fears, anxieties, and concerns for the future, and allow yourself to truly rejoice.
To allow yourself to truly believe the Good News that our Lord has risen from the dead and to have faith that He has overthrown Satan and conquered darkness, sin and death—forever.
To be filled with hope that in the midst of all of what is happening around us in our world today that God is present in our midst and is working to bring about good for those who love Him.
And to allow ourselves to be filled with love. Love for the One who loves us so much that He gave His life for us, and to be filled with love for all those with whom He has blessed our lives.
May we be filled with these gifts and all the gifts of the Holy Spirit as we celebrate the great mystery that is Easter.
We are an Easter people. Let the world hear our song!!!
Christina Semmens is a Roman Catholic author, speaker, and coach and host of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast. She currently lives in Fort Payne, Alabama where she strives to live out a life of authentic discipleship in the pursuit of holiness while empowering, teaching and accompanying others in striving to do the same.
If you want to learn more about how to embrace the life God created you for and discover more purpose, peace and abundance in your daily life, then plan to join me during the week of April 20th for the SAY YES TO HOLINESS TODAY Masterclass Workshop. To get more information, either send a direct message to @sayyestoholiness on Facebook, or send an email to: christinasemmens@gmail.com.
You can also Text to Join the email list by texting SAYYESTOHOLINESS to 66866 or sign up for the weekly Say Yes to Holinessnewsletter here. You can also listen to the Say Yes to Holiness podcast or learn more about her ministry efforts at: www.sayyestoholiness.com and www.christinasemmens.com
