Having passed half the period of this holy fast,
let us clearly show for the beginning of divine glory!
Let us fervently hasten to the achievement of good behavior,
that we may receive the eternal joy!
Having passed beyond the middle point of this holy fast,
let us strive to its end, rejoicing with steadfastness!
Let us anoint ourselves with the oil of charity,
that we may be worthy to adore the noble passion of Christ our God,
and attain His most honored and holy Resurrection!
The Savior Who planted the vineyard and called the laborers is near indeed!
Come, therefore, O workers in the fast:
let us receive our wages, for the Giver is rich and merciful!
Even if we have labored little we receive great mercy!
I felt like a marathon runner, having passed the half-way point, but not sure if my legs could carry me to the finish line. But these hymns, so purposefully and providentially placed at this point in the Great Fast, were like the words of the bystanders, cheering me on, and encouraging me to put that last extra effort into this arduous spiritual race, with Christ's Resurrection as it's goal.
As I looked at those of us who were gathered at the church this evening, I realized how truly blessed it is for "brethren to dwell together in unity", as Fr. Ignatius said in his sermon, and I begin to see how, it doesn't matter if we are Arab, Greek, Russian, or just plain American; it doesn't matter if we sing in four part harmonies, in unison chant melodies, or simply read the hymns to the best of our ability; and it doesn't matter if we have been 100% in keeping the fast, or if we are only keeping it marginally...what does matter is that we, each and every imperfect and sinful one of us, together form the Church, the spotless Bride of Christ, and that WE will all receive the immeasurable grace that is His glorious Pascha, and will all be able to sing/chant/say: CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN! and find in these words the meaning of our lives and the path to our salvation.
