Some say this Saint John Chrysostom’s Paschal Homily is the finest sermon ever preached. In a brief few words, this refulgent sermon celebrates the cosmic change wrought by Christ’s victory over death. It’s never too late for any of us to celebrate Easter and to know the grace of Jesus.

If any man be devout and love God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast. If any man be a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord. If any have labored long in fasting, let him now receive his recompense. If any have wrought from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward. If any have come at the third hour, let him with thankfulness keep the feast. If any have arrived at the sixth hour, let him have no misgivings; because he shall in nowise be deprived thereof. If any have delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing. If any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness; for the Lord, who is jealous of his honor, will accept the last even as the first; He gives rest unto him who comes at the eleventh hour, even as unto him who has wrought from the first hour.

—Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom (c. 347 – 407)

— Scott Gunn

_{Photo: Armenian Cathedral of St. James, Jerusalem, by Scott Gunn}