The anticipation of Easter is past. Many did without something for the Lenten season.
Yesterday we greeted one another with the ancient greeting “Christ is risen!” We replied with “Christ is risen indeed!” These are ancient greetings that are frequently used in the Orthodox world, not just at Easter. I wonder if this may be the origin of my Ukrainian partners greeting one another with “Praise God!”
In one church service in which I preached a couple of weeks ago, the pastor encouraged the people to be intentional about saying “Praise God.” Don’t fall into mindless habit was his admonition.
On this Easter +1 day, what are the mindless habits that we need to awaken into intentionality?
Let our yes be yes, let our words be meaningful.
I asked a Hungarian colleague “How are you?” 15 minutes later I had a full report as I listened while sipping coffee. I had learned long ago in that culture to only ask that question when you really mean those words.
Let us, on this Easter +1 ponder and affirm one way that we will be more intentional about our words. Perhaps beginning with the words we speak with God in prayer.
May the result of Easter be lasting, may it not be just another holiday that has passed. As Peter said:
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 1:13 ESV
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