Daily Images of God—Lent 2022
Day 43 EASTER SUNDAY
April 17
VICTOR
The Easter Homily of St. John Chrysostom preached in Constantinople around the year 400 CE is known by many as the best Christian sermon ever preached. Here is my own translation from the Greek:
If any of you are devout and God-loving,
take joy in this kind and bright Feast of all Feasts.
If any are wise servants, come rejoicing into your Lord’s joy.
You who are worn out by fasting, receive your wages.
You who have worked from sunrise, come now to the party!
You who came at nine o’clock in the morning, rejoice!
You who waited until the noon, celebrate!
You who came at 3 p.m., do not be sad!
You who arrived barely in time for sunset, don’t worry about how late you are.
No one will be deprived of heavenly joy.
Our generous Lord welcomes those who come last
in the same way as those who come first.
He shows mercy to the first and rejoices in the last.
He comforts those who came at sunset
just as if they had worked hard from sunrise.
He gives to everyone, both those who worked
and those who merely wanted to work.
He welcomes with open arms our service and hugs our intentions.
He values not just our works,
but praises our mere desire to do well also.
All of you enter into the joy of the Lord:
First and last, receive the reward!
Rich and poor, one with another, dance for joy!
You who are hard on yourselves, and all you slackers, celebrate this day!
You who have fasted and you who have cheated in the fast, be glad together.
The table is groaning, overloaded with the finest food: eat your fill!
Each and every one of you enjoy the rich banquet of faith and God’s loving kindness.
Do not go off still hungry or offended at something or other.
No one should regret their poverty, for God’s Reign is now here—for everyone!
No more weeping over our sins—forgiveness for all has burst with light from the grave.
No more fear of death, for Jesus’ death has freed us all.
Death grabbed onto him tightly, but He subdued it.
He descended into hell, but took hell captive.
When Death tasted his flesh, it found him bitter on the tongue.
Isaiah foretold it: “Hell was overcome, having met You in the underworld!”
Hell had to mourn, for it was undone!
Hell panicked, for it was condemned!
Hell went hungry, for it was put down!
Hell was destroyed, for it was bound!
It thought it was taking in one more corpse, but touched God instead!
It thought it was seeking earth, but met heaven.
It took what was there for the taking, but found itself falling into unexpected oblivion!
Death! Where is your sting?
Hell! Where is your victory?
Christ is risen; you are brought down.
Christ is risen; the demons have fallen.
Christ is risen; the angels rejoice.
Christ is risen; life triumphs.
Christ is risen; no dead are left in the grave.
Christ is risen from the dead, the first fruits of those who sleep.
To Him be glory and power now and forever. Amen
Image: Christus Victor mosaic in the archbishop's chapel in Ravenna, 5th century CE.
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