Today we complete our “Triduum” the annual retreat where we are immersed into a communal participation in Christ's Paschal Mystery. By embracing this journey into death and resurrection we are continually called into conversion. We are challenged to gracious hospitality and a genuine desire to share the community’s joy with everyone who joins us at worship.

St. John Chrysostom (347-407) wrote this in an Easter Homily: “Come you all: Enter into the joy of our Lord. You the first and you the last, receive alike your reward. You rich and you poor, dance together. You strong and you weak, celebrate the day. You who have kept the fast and you who have not kept the fast, rejoice today.”

The first eight days of the Easter Season are known as the “Octave of Easter.” The mystery of the Resurrection is intensely celebrated and people give witness that Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen Indeed! The fifty days, a week of weeks (seven weeks plus one day), include the celebration of Ascension Thursday, forty days after Easter. The Season reaches fulfillment on Pentecost Sunday, when we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first disciples. This same Holy Spirit comes to today’s disciples bringing peace and hope to our hearts and through us to the whole world.

The following phrase from an ancient Greek hymn celebrating the Pasch (Easter/Passover) is my prayer for all:

“O pasch, sanctify all believers,” Fr. Joe Hannappel