April 8: An excerpt from Bishop Chrysostom's homily

The following is from a homily of Bishop John Chrysostom (d. 407), which is read at the Easter Vigil in some Orthodox Churches.


Let everyone who loves God rejoice in this festival of light!
Let the faithful servant gladly enter into the joy of is Lord!
Let those who have borne the burden of fasting come now to reap their reward!
Let those who have worked since the first hour receive now their just wage!
Let those who came after the third hour keep this festival with gratitude!
Let those who arrived only after the sixth hour approach with no fear: they will not be defrauded!
If someone has delayed until the ninth hour, let him come without hesitation.
And let not the workman of the eleventh hour be ashamed: the Lord is generous.
He welcomes the last no less than the first.
He welcomes into his peace the workman of the eleventh hour as kindly as the one who has worked since dawn.
The first he fills to overflowing: on the last he has compassion.
to the one he grants his favor: to the other pardon.
He does not only look at the work: he sees into the intention of the heart.

Enter then all of you into the joy of your Master.
First and last, receive your reward...
Abstinent and slothful celebrate this feast.
You have fasted, rejoice today.
The table is laid: come all of you without misgivings.
The fatted calf is served, let us all take our fill.
All of you, share in the banquet of faith: all of you draw on the wealth of his mercy....

Happy Easter!!!