So, lately I haven’t been reading all the blogs I normally read. In fact I’m really really behind on some of my blog reading so today I decided to catch up a little. I started out by reading through all the blogs of people I know and I came across this blog by Marek and Elaine. I’ll be honest I don’t know Marek and Elaine all that well, we run in similar circles in Prague and I often see them at church and spend a few minutes talking to them, I’ve prayed in their prayer room and spent time playing with their kids, but that’s about it. But, they are a couple that I am continually inspired and challenged by even from afar. I think most of all I love the sincerity and honesty they show as they try to live life following after God – this blog was a good example of that and it quieted me today… Then after reading through a few other blogs of friends I started looking through blogs by people I don’t know and came to one blog that had this beautiful Pascal sermon posted on it. It struck a chord with me today so I thought I’d share…

For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first.

The Lord gives rest to those who come at the eleventh hour, even as to those who toiled from the beginning.

To one and all the Lord gives generously. The Lord accepts the offering of every work. The Lord honours every deed and commends their intention.

Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord!

First and last alike, receive your reward. Rich and poor, rejoice together!

Conscientious and lazy, celebrate the day! You who have kept the fast, and you who have not, rejoice, this day, for the table is bountifully spread!

Feast royally, for the calf is fatted. Let no one go away hungry. Partake, all, of the banquet of faith. Enjoy the bounty of the Lord's goodness! —A PASCHAL SERMON by St. John Chrysostom (347-407)

Where ever you are today – tired or well rested, hungry or well fed, longing or contented, confused or certain, failing or standing strong – where ever life finds you today may you grab a glass and drink, pull up a chair and eat, hear the music and dance, for Christ has come and He invites all to the banquet and gives new life, full life, to all who will come. Rejoice together! Christ is risen! Rejoice together! Christ is good!

Rejoicing in the journey - Beth Stedman