Christ Is Risen!: Easter Morning

Below is the Easter Sermon of St. John Chrysostom. He lived three hundred years after Christ and was one of the key Christian leaders of his time. He is also considered one of the greatest preachers of all time. So much so that he earned the name Chrysostom which means "Golden Mouth".

This sermon is read, in it's entirety, every Easter in the Orthodox Church. It is brief and to the point. But its brevity does not take away from its meaningfulness. This sermon is a good place to begin our celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

The Easter Sermon of Saint John Chrysostom

Whosoever is a devout lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful bright Festival. And whosoever is a grateful servant, let him rejoice and enter into the joy of his Lord. And if any be weary with fasting, let him now receive his penny.

If any have toiled from the first hour, let him receive his due reward. If any have come after the third hour, let him with gratitude join the Feast. And he that arrived after the sixth hour, let him not doubt; for he too shall sustain no loss. And if any have delayed to the ninth hour, let him not be afraid by reason of his delay; for the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first. He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour as well as to him that toiled from the first.

Yea, to this one he gives, and upon that one he bestows. He accepts works, as He greets the endeavor. The deed he honors and the intention he commands.

Let all then enter into the joy of our Lord. You first and last receiving alike your reward; you rich and poor, rejoice together. You sober and you slothful, celebrate the day. You that have kept the fast, and you that have not, rejoice today for the Table is richly laden. Fare royally on it. The calf is a fatted one. Let no one go away hungry. Partake you all of the cup of faith. Enjoy you all the riches of His goodness. 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 Saviour has set us free. He has destroyed it by endruing it. he spoiled Hades when he descended thereto. He vexed it even as it tasted of His flesh. Isaiah foretold this when he cried, "Thou, O Hades, Has been vexed by encountering Him below."

It is vexed; for it is even done away with. It is vexed; for it is made a mockery. it is vexed; for it is destroyed. It is vexed; for it is annihilated. It is vexed; for it is now made captive. It took a body, and it discovered God. It took earth, and encountered Heaven. It took what it saw and was overcome by what it did not see.

"O death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy victory?" Christ is risen, and thou art annihalated. Christ is risen, and the evil ones are cast down. Christ is risen, and the Angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life is libertaed. Christ is risen, and the tomb is emptied of the dead; for Christ having risen from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. to Him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

Christ is risen, indeed.

Meditation 7: Holy Saturday

The Saturday just before Easter is often called "Holy Saturday" or "Easter Even". At the Wheatland Mission we have jokingly referred to it as Easter Saturday because of the fact that our congregation gathers for our regular worship gathering at that time. Easter Saturday, however, is the Saturday of Easter week one week from today. Holy Saturday is the last day of Holy Week.



This is the day that we commemorate Christ's time in the tomb. In the Phillipines this time is called "Black Saturday", a reference to the grim and somber nature of the day. In the Roman Catholic Church the eucharist, the Lord's Supper, is not to be taken except by those who are in extreme circumstances such as being near death. It is the only day of the year when it is forbidden. In the Book of Common Prayer from which many of the prayers in this series have come has only one prayer and a handful of Scripture readings set aside for this day. Like the Catholics there is to be no communion on this day. This is in stark contrast to every other day of this week where there are numerous Scripture readings and prayer.

This is all to highlight the incredibly important meaning behind this day. It is a day of continued grief, reflection and preparation for the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

It is also a day to be reminded that Jesus really did die.

In yesterday's post we were encouraged "don't forget to grieve". Grief, true sadness and heaviness of heart, is an appropriate response to the historical realities of Good Friday. Something dreadful happened. Not only did an innocent man die but the most innocent of men died. Yet further, the innocent man died because of our guilt. We grieve his death. We grieve the necessity of his death. We grieve our responsibility in his death.

Observing Holy Week is valuable for many reasons. Let me reiterate one important reason to observe Holy Week: it keeps us from being ambushed, surprised by the Easter event. Too often we busily go through our days and weeks giving little thought to the fact that Jesus was a real human being who suffered a real human death. I wonder if we don't avoid it. Holy Week takes us through the gambit of thoughts and emotions that are related to the life, death and resurrection of Christ.

During this week we go from jubilation on Sunday and the Triumphal Entry to sorrow and despair by Friday. Holy Saturday is a day of sorrow and followed by a day of joy. However, keep this thought in mind. The sorrow that we experience on Maunday Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday is not replaced with the joy of Easter. Instead our sorrow is transformed into joy. Pay attention to the difference. Living in the journey with Jesus means just that. We are "with" him in the midst of all kinds of life's experiences. The good and the bad. Participating in his life doesn't mean we that we are immune to pain and suffering but that our pain and suffering are transformed by him. In much the same way...the pain and sorrow of Holy Saturday is overwhelmed and transformed through the joy of the resurrection.

the question
How does the humanity of Jesus enable you to feel the love of God?

the prayer
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reighns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

the psalm
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.Let your ears be attentiveto my cry for mercy.
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lordmore than watchmen wait for the morning,more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord,for with the Lord is unfailing loveand with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Meditation 6: Good Friday

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

This is not the day to try and make yourself feel better. It is simply not the time. This is not a day to feel good. Nor is it a day to avoid how you feel. It is a day for grief. It is a time to be sorrowful. It is a time to feel the weight of the crucifixion and, for a moment, the sorrow of abandonment.

If you start to cry as you read the words, “My God, my God…” then go ahead. Crying is a perfectly appropriate action and emotion. Maybe it is the only appropriate one. Don’t forget to grieve.



When you hear the words, “Four score and seven years ago…”, you don’t only think about those five words. In and of
themselves they make no sense. These words are a tag that reminds us of what follows them, one of the most important speeches delivered in American history, the Gettysburg Address.

When you hear the words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, what comes to your mind? If you have read, or heard, the story from the Gospels you immediately recognize these words as some of the last words spoken by Jesus just prior to his death. It seems as if Jesus is in an agony that is not only physical but emotional too. It sounds as if he feels alone, abandoned by God.

There is a practice employed by ancient writers known as rezim. The rezim was the quoting of the first line of a passage of Scripture as a reference to the entire piece. When someone says, “Four score and seven years ago…”, we are prompted to remember the rest of the speech. If we don’t remember it word for word we at least remember the main thrust of it.

“My God, my God” is a rezim meant to draw it’s hearer’s attention to Psalm 22. Some scholars believe that Jesus recited the entire Psalm as he was on the cross. This may be possible, however, it is more likely that Jesus mentioned these first lines from the cross recognizing the Messianic prophecies within it. Within this Psalm there are numerous references to Christ’s suffering and crucifixion. For example:

“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.” – v.6

“my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;” – 15

“they have pierced my hands and feet” – v.16

“They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” – v.18

When Jesus employs this term from the cross he is undoubtedly feeling a sense of abandonment and estrangement from God. However, this Psalm is fascinating because of the sorrow that it conveys but also because of the hope contained within it. What begins as a Psalm bemoaning abandonment turns into a Psalm of deliverance in spite of great loss and pain.

Pay close attention to these last two passages:

“Yet, you are enthroned as the Holy One;
You are the praise of Israel.
In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.” – vv. 3-5

“For he has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.” – v. 24

Our God is a God of hope. On the darkest day of human history, the very day we commemorate now, is also the day of our greatest hope. Not only was Jesus exposed to great temptation but he also felt, more keenly than us I might add, the dark feeling of alienation from his Father.

There is hope even on this day. However, don’t forget to grieve.



the question
Have you ever thought that sorrow, in some occassions, is the most important activity for Jesus' followers? How has your sorrow helped you in your devotion to God? If it has hindered it then let me know.

the psalm
Read all of Psalm 22.

the prayer
How great is your love, Lord God, for sending Jesus to take up a cross and lay down his life for the world. Work in us such true remorse that we may cast out sin, welcome mercy, and live in wonder, praising the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ the Savior. It is in his name and for his sake that we pray, Amen.

Meditation 5: Maundy Thursday

"...mandatum novum do vobis..."

I never heard about Maundy Thursday until I had graduated from college. The first church that I worked in had a Maundy Thursday service. I must confess that I felt a little robbed of what seemed to be a good tradition where the Last Supper was commemorated. The name comes from the latin version of John 13:34 listed above. For those of you whose Latin is a bit rusty:

"a new commandment I give unto you, love one another as I have loved you"



Jesus just continues to upset the apple cart. He celebrates the Passover with his closest friends the twelve disciples. This turns out to be his last meal before his crucifixion. Instead of insisting upon what he deserved during this meal, Jesus takes a towell, wraps it around his waste and humbly washes the feet of his disciples. We feel the force of this verse, as modern Bible readers, by being reminded of the fact that the feet of those guys had to be really dirty. They wore sandals after all!

But the force of this verse is not necessarily in how dirty their feet were. The astounding thing is that Jesus takes upon himself the identity of a servant, humbly bending down in front of his friends and serving them through washing their feet. He does it again. He commits another great reversal. Instead of a servant or slave performing this act Jesus did.

Is it not astounding that the night before Jesus was crucified he undertook the very humble act of footwashing? Why would the creator of the universe condescend to this point? Jesus is setting an example for his followers. They have heard him teach for approximately three years. He taught them privately and the disciples were in the crowds as Jesus taught. They know his message but familiarity bred indifference. Jesus recaptures their imaginations with his humblest of acts.

On this Thursday night before his crucifixion Jesus captures the imaginations of his followers in two very important ways. First, instead of telling them to humble themselves before one another Jesus humbles himself before all of them. No longer would these men have to think about what it was that Jesus said about loving and serving one another. The image had been emblazoned on their minds.

The second way that he captures their imaginations is by altering the typical Passover meal converting it into the first, and most powerful, Christian sacrament. It is important for us to remember that Jesus didn't give us an idea to think about when he instituted this sacrament. Jesus didn't give us a list of rules to follow. He gave us a meal to eat. His command was simple. Do this thing, eating bread and drinking wine, to remember me. They aren't left remembering Jesus in the abstract but instead they have the most concrete of activities to participate in, eating.

My prayer for all of us this Easter and Lenten Season is that each of us would have our imaginations re-captured by Christ. That we would not merely think about the sacrifice and death of Jesus in the abstract but that we would, in some sense, relive the drama surrounding his crucifixion and resurrection.

the prayer
Dear Jesus, remind us of your life and sacrifice through the normal things of life such as bread and wine. Let your supper be an opportunity for us to have our hearts, minds and imaginations recreated in your image again. As we await the observance of your resurrection may your grace overwhelm us again.

the question
How has Christ captured your imagination? What has he taught you that has taken place in an unusual way?

the psalm
Psalm 118:19-24
Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thankds to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter.
I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
You have become my salvation.

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes.
The is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Meditation 4: Wednesday of Holy Week

Many, if not most of us, have seen the movie The Passion of the Christ. When I first viewed this film I did so with my defenses up. There were plenty of warnings ahead of time telling those of us who were to view the film that it was extremely graphic to the point of disturbing. Nonetheless, The Passion was moving and powerful. The committed follower of Christ was routinely moved to tears throughout the film and left in stunned silence.

What I found most moving about the film was not the more gruesome scenes. As I walked into the theatre I steeled myself against their effect. I braced myself for their impact. Instead I was moved tremendously by the more subtle scenes which ambushed me. Scenes such as Jesus' trembling hand in the garden, the moment when he tells Peter, James and John that he, "didn't want the others to see him like this" (overwhelmed with emotion and dread), and Jesus moment of singular strength when he steps on the serpent's head. This act of strength was, for me, the highlight of the movie.

"The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens my morning by morning.
He wakens my ear to listen like the one being taught.
The sovereign Lord has opened my ears,
and I have not been rebellious;
I have not drawn back.

I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.
Because the sovereign Lord helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
and I know I will not be put to shame.

This week is a good time to meditate upon Christ's humanity and vulnerability. Scripture teaches us that Jesus was human and being human, he experienced all the vulnerabilities of human existence and did so without sinning. It is good to be reminded that during his time in the garden Jesus was so vexed that he made a statement such as this: "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." Jesus humanity is a necessary part of our hope.

However, let's take this middle day of the week to think about another part of Jesus that was revealed during this experience, his strength. In the most difficult moments of his life Jesus displays remarkable power, peace and strength. Although The Passionis a dramatic representation, the image of Jesus weeping and trembling one moment and stomping on the head of the serpent in the next, captures the power of Jesus' commitment to his mission. It gives us a picture of the deep and abiding spiritual strength that was at his disposal. It was a result of his close communion with the Heavenly Father.

Look at some of these words that describe Jesus' strength:

When asked by Pilate if he was the King of the Jews, Jesus replied: "Is that your own idea? Or did others talk to you about me?" - John 18:34

Again, Jesus describes who is really in control when he says, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."

And finally, Jesus reiterates what his Kingdom is really like: "My kingdom is not of this world, If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

Jesus as a strong savior. Let us remember his vulnerability. Let us pay close attention to his complete humanity. However, we dare not fall into the trap of picturing him as a 98lb. weakling, wracked with indecision and uncertain of who he was or what he was supposed to do. He was not confused about his identity nor did he play the victim when he was crucified. Instead, he willing allowed the sacrifice of his own life.

the question
How does Christ's strength empower you for the work that God has called you to in your life? How does his singleness of purpose impact your understanding of who he was and who he is today?

the prayer
Almighty God: You gave your Son to be our strong leader. As he entered Jerusalem, may we enter our world to follow him, obeying you and trusting your power willing to suffer or die. Let us take as our example this the strength of heart and clarity of purpose which Jesus possessed in the garden that we might follow him more closey. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

the psalm (but actually from Isaiah 50:10)
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant?
Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord
and rely upon his God.

Meditation 3: Tuesday of Holy Week

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 1:18

I sometimes wonder what it was like for Jesus as he entered Jerusalem hailed as King and Messiah. He knew that those who were honoring him had a different idea of his Messiah-ship than he did. He was, in the words of David Mullins, a "disappointing Messiah". This was precisely because the kind of kingdom he was introducing was radically different than the one the cheering crowds expected, or even wanted.

It is just plain crazy. Crazy, that is, if you look at it from the world's perspective. The creator of the cosmos is now a part of that which he created, bound by creation's rules, vulnerable to creation's weaknesses. But, Paul makes it blatantly clear. The cross is the power of God. The way of Jesus, which is the way of the cross, is the perfect example of God's power displayed. While he could have availed himself of divine power and privilege he did not. In so doing he made of mockery of the world's concept of power and completely upset the preconcieved notions of those who were awaiting the Messiah.

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

God chose the cross to exhibit his power. God chose the cross to reveal his vulnerablity. In his wisdom, God chose the cross to bring to light the futility of our own thinking. The way of the cross was offensive to Jews and crazy to the Greeks. To us today it remains a mystery that we can only begin to grasp.

the question
A similar question was asked before. What kind of Messiah do you expect? What kind of Lord do you expect Jesus to be? Have you bought into the idea that you and Jesus have some sort of contract and that he is bound to act in ways that are consistent with what you want? Or, are you willing to let him remake your expectations, as crazy as that may be, into ones that are more 'cross shaped'?

the prayer
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen

the psalm
Psalm 94:8-15
Take heed, you senseless ones among the people;
you fools, when will you become wise?
Does he who implanted the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?
The Lord knows the thoughts of man;
he knows that they are futile.

Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord,
the man you teach from your law;
you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.

For the Lord will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.
Judgement will again be founded on righteousness,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Meditation 2: Monday of Holy Week

Some accuse Christianity of being a male dominated religion and in some ways that is true. Through the centuries the church has, at many times and in a variety of ways, limited women's participation in the church unnecessarily. This is not the vision of Christ nor the message of the Gospel. Fallenness and fallibity are not adequate excuses. This was not the way it was with Jesus.

It might be interesting this week to pay close attention to the ministry of the women in Jesus life. In Matthew 26:6-13, early in the week before his death Jesus is the guest of honor at a banquet that is hosted by his friends Martha, Lazarus (whom Jesus raised from the dead), and Mary. All three of these siblings play an important role. Martha, of course, is the host and she is busy making a feast. Lazarus has been recently raised from the dead. His very presence was a gift to his family and to Jesus who loved him very much. But Mary contributes to this story in a remarkable way.



Foreshadow. Mary breaks open an expensive container of perfume and in an act of honor and humiliation lays low at Jesus feet pouring out the perfume on him and wiping his feet with her hair. She spares no expense. The perfume was no doubt expensive and possibly even a family heirloom. The even greater expense, however, is her expression of love, gratitude, and honor to this man on his way to die. Her annointing of Jesus is a reflection of the honor due him as a king, as the Messiah. Yet even more, it is foreshadow of his death. It is in his death, after his disciples have scattered to the four winds, that the women make another appearance. Preparing the body for his burial using spices, linens, and ... perfume.

The disciples get huffy and act superior. It is just before Passover and part of the tradition includes giving to the poor. What a great opportunity to act superior and complain to Jesus that the money should be given to the poor. But Jesus is undeterred and makes the point plain. This is a special time. There are precious few moments left before he is crucified and it is time to celebrate Jesus, honor Jesus and weep for Jesus.

"I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (Matthew 26:13)

The rush is always on. There will always be important things to do. We cannot afford to wait until our lives become simpler, easier or less busy to spend time with Jesus. We must go out of our way or we will never, "accidentally" worship him.

the question
What "beautiful thing" will you do for Jesus this week? Let it be something simple, yet extravagant. Through prayer or through reading his word take a few moments to gaze in awe and wonder, to worship God from you heart, and to linger in your time with him.

the prayer
a) Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory beofre he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reighns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

b) Gracious and loving Father, give us hearts like Mary who, regardless of the cost to her fortune or reputation, expressed her love and devotion to your Son that we might always be ready to love you and listen at your feet. Through Jesus name for his sake, Amen.

the psalm
Psalm 36:5-10