At Pascha, the Church emphasized Christ’s victory over death granting life to all those in the tombs and reopening the gates of paradise. However, through His teachings, healings, and kindness, Christ showed us how we could receive the glorious gift He offered us by His willing sacrifice at Pascha. It is through love, peace and forgiveness that we are able to obtain eternal salvation and our effort on that behalf should not wane after Easter.

Love: “And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matt 22:37-40) Jesus here tells us the new measure required of our love: we must love as Christ has loved us, laying down His life not only for His friends, but even for His enemies. Read: Mt 5:44 – Mt 5:46 – Mk 12:33 - Lk 16:13 – Lk 6:27 – Jn 15:13 – Jn 15:17. Of course this is a small number of all the verses in the Bible expounding the force of love and the importance of that emotion in your life.

Peace: “I have said this to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Peace was the customary Jewish word of both greeting and farewell. Peace is the traditional greeting of Christians to each other and the greeting “Peace be to all” is offered many times during the liturgical services of the Church. Read: Mk 9:50 – Lk 1:79 – Lk 2:14 – Lk 2:29 – Lk 10:5 – Jn 14:27 – Jn 20:21. Only a small number of verses are listed here. Read your Bible daily and you will find them all.

Forgiveness: “And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matt 26:27-29) Read: Lk 24:47 – Act 2:38 – Mt 9:6 – Mt 18:21 – Mk 11:25. Again only a portion of those heralding the importance of forgiveness are listed here. Of course, the most important quote is Matthew 6:9: “Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” To emphasize the importance of forgiveness, He continues in Matthew 6:14: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Any time is the time for forgiveness, confession and repentance. Receiving the Heavenly Body and Blood of Christ during communion follows with the comforting feeling of love and peace that comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when He says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (John 14:27)

If you haven’t confessed during Great Lent, you can do so now and forgive all those toward whom you have any animosity that you may have peace in your life and love in your heart. You cannot change anyone because they must change themselves but you can change yourself and forgive everyone and pray for them always. Understand that God loves us all. You can set up confession with Fr. Maryan.

Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their birthday in May. The following are included in the May celebrants: Jennifer Czech on May 15 and Richard Paul Rahnefeld on May 27. May God grant them both Many Years!

Many thanks to all who continue to support our Food Pantry. The need for many of our neighbors exist throughout the year and your help is greatly appreciated.