Therefore, if you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above; where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God: Mind the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth. For you are dead; and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ shall appear, who is your life, then you also shall appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is the service of idols. (Col 3:1-5, D-R)

My confessor has repeatedly brought this exhortation from St. Paul to my attention, drawing from it the admonition not to "slack off" during Easter. Just because we are not enduring the vigorous penances of Lent does not mean that we should entirely relax our efforts in the spiritual life. Rather, we should redouble them.

My own reflection, however, centers on the third verse: "For you are dead; and your life is hid with Christ in God." What a paradox, that we are risen and yet dead. Are we entirely dead? Do we want to die? May God give us the strength to live this death, every day.