Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, brothers,since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV)
Why Go to Church?
Friday after Pentecost
28 May 2010
The first of the catechetical lectures of Cyril of Jerusalem concludes with a lovely exhortation to diligence in church attendance. He notes that the catechumens have attended faithfully the instruction that prepared them for baptism. And since through baptism they will be grafted into Christ the true vine as branch is to the tree, they need to receive the watering of the word all the more after being grafted in. Nourishment is found in the word, the word is found in the assemblies.
Cyril of Jerusalem
"If you hold anything against anyone, forgive it. You come here to receive forgiveness of sins. You also must forgive him that sinned against you. How could you face the Lord and say to Him, 'Forgive me my many sins,' if you yourself have not forgiven your fellow servant even his little sins. Attend diligently the church assemblies; not only now in catechesis when diligent attendance is required of you by the clergy, but also after you have received the grace [of baptism]. For if, before you have received it, the practice is good, is it not also good after it is bestowed? If before you are grafted in, it is a safe course to be watered and tended, is it not far better after the planting? Wrestle for your own soul, especially in such days as these.
Nourish your soul with sacred readings, for the Lord has prepared a spiritual table for you. Therefore repeat what the Psalmist says, 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul' (Ps 23:1-3) that angels also may share your joy, and Christ Himself the great high priest, having accepted your resolve, may present you all to the Father, saying, 'Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me' (Is 8:18; Heb 2:13). May He keep you all well-pleasing in His sight! To whom be the glory, and the power unto the endless ages of eternity. Amen."
Prayer
O Christ, Good Shepherd, present me blameless before the Throne of grace, that I might be among those about whom You say, "Behold the children God has given me." Amen.
For all our catechumens, both children and adults, that God the Lord would strengthen them in the true faith
For all human labor that it would provide blessed for vocation and service
For Rob Hevle, that the Lord would give him a full recover from surgery
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