Monday, April 21(8), 2025
Bright Monday
Acts 1:12-17,21-26; Jn. 1:18-28

The Archangel, announcing the incarnation of God, said: “Rejoice, thou full of grace!”  to the Blessed Virgin [Lk. 1:28]; when he told about the birth of Christ the Savior to the shepherds he said likewise: “I bring you good tidings of great joy” [Lk. 2:10].  But the words proclaiming the Resurrection of the Lord to the women were different, ─ “He is not here: for He is risen” [Mt. 28:6], ─ not saying anything about joy, because joy fills the heart by itself as soon as the message of His Resurrection comes in.

At that time the message was tangible: the angel announced it, the Lord Himself confirmed it by His appearance, and the joy in everyone’s heart was complete and inexhaustible!  Now, our churches, homes and cities are also clothed in the garments of elation, and people are united in the common stream of joy.  But try to shift your thoughts somewhat, away from the externals, focus them inside your heart and restore there the truth of the Resurrection in its full width, depth and height ─ so that you might rejoice not only externally, but also bear inside a spirit of joy, gushing out from the deep like a spring of clear water.

Read more about the author