This sermon, not yet published, copied out from the codex of the priory of Appania, we now give for the first time. It is inscribed in that codex thus: 'Likewise also concerning the Pasch, Sermon XII.' That it was indeed written by Maximus—very brief, but weighty in its sentiments—not only the antiquity and authority of that same codex, but also the style plainly shows and establishes. Today's paschal solemnity, consecrated by so great a mystery of our God, both declares through the angels the power of the Lord's resurrection, and manifests it through the apostles, and multiplies perennial goods throughout all the hearts of believers.
This therefore is the day which the Lord has made, as you have heard, loftier than all, brighter than all, on which our Lord rose from the nether world, having conquered death; on which, as you see, He acquired for Himself a new people by the holy Spirit of regeneration; on which He fills the mind of each with joy and exultation. This day therefore of Christ's resurrection grants eternal life to the departed, longed-for pardon to sinners, and to the saints unfading glory. For by the working of His power He raises us up from the earthly things to which we cleave, ever sets us in the heights toward which we ought to strive, builds up the just in His piety, confirms the wavering in the way of salvation, but condemns all the unbelieving.
For to this end Christ the Lord rose today from the dead, that he might be an image of the future resurrection; and therefore on this present day the faithful people, by the life-giving bath, gladdens the Church with the brightness of its snowy splendor after the likeness of the future resurrection. We ought therefore to give thanks to our Lord, that while we keep the most glorious solemnity of the holy Pasch, we may already behold the form of the resurrection that is to be. For whereas in the future consummation of this world the whole human race must rise again, now already in baptism it rises from sins unto life.
The people of God shall then be roused after sleep, shall then be raised after unbelief, shall then be freed from the mortal condition; now it is delivered from the blindness of the ignorance by which it was held. It shall then be reborn unto eternity; now it is born unto salvation. Let us rejoice therefore, brethren, and exult in this day, on which our Lord, rising again, brought peace to all and bore the longed-for salvation to all. Let us rejoice, because we now see Him risen who had died for all. Let us exult, because we now believe that He sits at the Father's right hand. Let us exult therefore and rejoice, as the Lord rises, that we may be able to rejoice with Him as He reigns.
This indeed the merciful One Himself will grant, if not only true faith fortifies our life, but if our life too does not disagree with faith in Him. Let us therefore be zealous to show to all the example of our good manner of living. It ends.