“Today all things are filled with light; heaven and earth and even the depths of the earth.”

          These words that we sing during Paschal matins are reason for joy, hope, and comfort as we pass from the darkness of Lent to the great light of the Resurrection.
          Reflecting on this passage brings to mind the contrast that is so often seen in literature and in the movies between darkness and light. Invariably, it is in the darkness that the worst acts take place. Writers use this background to strike fear into our hearts. It calls to mind all sorts of evil deeds or even just our fear of the unknown. It is not until the characters have passed through the night and day breaks that we know that everything is going to be all right.
          The same is true in our lives. When we walk in darkness, we never know what might befall us. It is far too easy for us to stumble on our journey to God. We, too often, lose our way and are left struggling to get back on the right path. This is what our Lenten journey has, hopefully, done for us—led us out of whatever darkness that had come into our lives and brought us into the light that we celebrate today.
          In the light, we no longer need to be afraid. We can, once again, see the beauty that is in front of us and follow it to our ultimate destination. Even the thing that strikes fear into the hearts of most, death, is less frightening today, because the Resurrection of Our Lord has shown us that there is an eternal daybreak that awaits all of us, one in which the sun never sets.
          We pray, today, that the Light of Christ fills each and every one of your hearts with joy and love, and that it remains with you forever.

          With the bestowal of my archiepiscopal upon you, God’s people, I remain

          Sincerely in the Risen Christ,