|
Rising, you restored our life.
Christ is risen from the dead!
Dying, he conquered death;
To the dead, he has given life.
Byzantine Liturgy, Troparion of Easter (CCC 638)
Reflection for Today: St Melito
of Sardis, a second-century bishop, portrays the resurrected Christ
proclaiming this message of triumphant victory over the powers of
darkness:
Who will contend
with me? Let him confront me. I have freed the condemned, brought the
dead back to life, raised men from their graves. Who has anything to
say against me? I am the Christ. I have destroyed death, triumphed over
the enemy, trampled hell underfoot, bound the strong one, and taken
mankind up to the heights of heaven. I am the Christ.
Come then, all
your nations. Receive forgiveness for the sins that defile you. I am
your forgiveness. I am the Passover that brings salvation. I am the
Lamb slain for you. I am your ransom, yoru life, your resurrection,
your lifht. I am your salvation and your king. I will bring you to the
heights of heaven. With my own right hand I will raise you up, and I
will show you the eternal Father.
St Melito of Sardis
|
