For the Life of the World

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We have now returned to the regular Sunday Divine Liturgy in our parish after a period of its absence, though only a small number of us are blessed by the bishop to serve it. Many have been listening to the service online. We are reminded that at every Liturgy God renews his union with the human race and the world in which it lives. According to the prayers of the Liturgy of Saint Basil that we served during the Sundays of the Fast, through the Liturgy Christ offers himself “for the life of the world.”

These are the very words of Christ when he speaks of his body and blood (John 6:51). They were also used as the title of the famous reflection on sacraments and liturgy by Alexander Schmemann.

There is a Russian proverb that states the Second Coming will not occur as long as the Liturgy is being offered by Christians on earth. When the last remaining priest standing before the last remaining altar finishes serving the last Divine Liturgy, however, our Lord will come again in judgment—because there will be no more reason to delay it. This proverb is not part of our Orthodox faith, but it is inspired by it. It brings to attention in a startling way the importance of the Liturgy that every parish offers to God.

It is a great blessing that as we leave the Forty Days of the Fast behind at the end of this week and prepare for Passion Week, we know that we will continue to offer the Liturgy at our church.