Categories: uncategorized
Date: 25 March 2008 12:09:26
I've been off camping again, walked 10 k's, got really hot and dirty, came home and got really clean. Having eaten only two of my four easter eggs we have finally started our Orthodox lent fast. No animals products until Orthodox Easter somewhere at the end of April. If only they were dark chocolate easter eggs! Just joking. I can really see the wisdom of the rhythm of the church year. First comes Meatfare Sunday, the last Sunday to eat meat, special meals are had, then comes forgiveness Sunday, which is the last Sunday to eat cheese until Easter. The story of the prodigal son is told somewhere in there, - they're all signs pointing toward and preparing for lent.
I however ignored all that, carried on as usual, celebrated Easter with everyone else, eating hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, until the day I decide to start fasting it's all an anti-climax where I just cook fried rice for dinner.
I guess I'm the worker who came to the vineyard at lunch time.
Are there any who are devout lovers of God?
Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival!
Are there any who are grateful servants?
Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!
Are there any weary from fasting?
Let them now receive their due!
If any have toiled from the first hour,
let them receive their reward.
If any have come after the third hour,
let them with gratitude join in the feast!
Those who arrived after the sixth hour,
let them not doubt; for they shall not be short-changed.
Those who have tarried until the ninth hour,
let them not hesitate; but let them come too.
And those who arrived only at the eleventh hour,
let them not be afraid by reason of their delay.
For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first.
The Lord gives rest to those who come at the eleventh hour,
even as to those who toiled from the beginning.
To one and all the Lord gives generously.
The Lord accepts the offering of every work.
The Lord honours every deed and commends their intention.
Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord!
First and last alike, receive your reward.
Rich and poor, rejoice together!
Conscientious and lazy, celebrate the day!
You who have kept the fast, and you who have not,
rejoice, this day, for the table is bountifully spread!
Feast royally, for the calf is fatted.
Let no one go away hungry.
Partake, all, of the banquet of faith.
Enjoy the bounty of the Lord's goodness!
St John Chrysostom's Easter Sermon