Velka Noc or the Great Night

Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Household of God,

Christians celebrate Easter with great solemnity. Saint John Chrysostom [c. 347-407] exhorted, "Let us celebrate this greatest and most shining feast, in which the Lord has risen from the dead. Let us celebrate it with joy, and in equal measure with devotion. For the Lord has risen, and, together with him, He has raised the whole world. He has risen, because He has broken the bonds of death."

In Slovak, Easter is called "Velka Noc" or "the Great Night." Saint Athanasius [+ 373] calls it "the Great Sunday." The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to it as the "Feast of feasts." Easter is the celebration of an event that gives Christians their identity.

There is reason for rejoicing. Christians are called to be a happy people because they accept Jesus' resurrection as a reality. We put our trust in the victory that was acquired for us by him on the cross, – a victory that continues to give life in the most noble sense of that word, – a victory that engenders hope of a better world.

We could presume to hear the Lord saying, "I gave myself up because of my love for you. All that I ask in return is that you rejoice in my gift." The happiness that a gift brings is the ultimate sign of gratitude.

During this Easter Season, may you find much joy in what the Lord Jesus has accomplished in your regard, so that your life might be a continual Alleluia!

Bishop Joseph V. Adamec
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

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