29 May 2021
Pascha
For
Great Lent occurs but once a year. But we celebrate Pascha (that is, we receive
Communion) three times a week or even four. Or, to say it better, as often as
we like. For Pascha does not consist of fasting, but of the Offering and
Sacrifice which takes place during the daily gathering. And as testimony that
this is true, listen to Paul, who says: “Christ our passover [pascha] is
sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7).... Therefore, as often as you partake of
Communion with a pure conscience, you celebrate Pascha; not when you fast, but
when you partake of that Sacrifice.... The catechumen never celebrates Pascha,
even though he may fast every year during Lent, because he does not commune in
the Offering. So then, even the person who did not fast, if he approaches with
a pure conscience, celebrates Pascha, be it today, tomorrow, or any time he
partakes of Communion. For good and proper preparation for Communion is not
judged by lengths of time, but by a pure conscience.
Saint John Chrysostom
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