Break Our Hearts! Practicing Compassion Together. Sample

Today we will read about Easter. Happy Easter!

He is risen! Today is the day we remember and celebrate the greatest act in all of human history: Christ risen from the dead.

Here is a snippet from the early church father John Chrysostom’s famous Easter sermon where he expands on what it means that Christ rose from the dead:

“Let no one grieve at his poverty,

for the universal kingdom has been revealed.

Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again;

for forgiveness has risen from the grave.

Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free.

…

Hell took a body, and discovered God.

It took earth, and encountered Heaven.

It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see.

O death, where is thy sting?

O Hell, where is thy victory?

Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!

Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down!

Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice!

Christ is Risen, and life is liberated!

Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead;

for Christ having risen from the dead,

is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

To Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!”

Today’s Prayer of Illumination:

God, source of all light, by your Word you give light to the soul. Pour out on me the spirit of wisdom and understanding that my heart and mind may be opened. Lord Jesus, as I follow you today, help me practice compassion, break my heart for what breaks yours. Amen

For a deeper understanding of the significance of the resurrection for our faith, check out this video: The Resurrection of Jesus: Luke 24