The Heavenly
Banquet
Preparing for
the Divine Liturgy
That the
Church requires us to prepare to receive the Holy Mysteries of the Body and
Blood of Christ, prior to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, by saying the
Pre-Communion Prayers, is a given. The Church also requires us to fast from
midnight on, abstaining from either food or drink, until after we have received
the Body and Blood of our Saviour. The only exception is when we must, because
of health issues, eat or drink something, and this must be blessed by our
confessor or priest.
Although not
required, if we read the appointed Epistle and Gospel readings prior to
entering into the Liturgy, the Word can better enter the heart, for when
hearing God's Word for the second time, we are more receptive, and the Word
penetrates deeply.
Perhaps the
most important preparation we must make before attending the Divine Liturgy, is
to be sure we are at peace with all our brothers and sisters. We dare not
approach the chalice with malice or hatred towards anyone, nor can we receive
the Holy Gifts with a heart that has refused to forgive those who have hurt or
offended us. An important part of forgiving others, is for us to seek
forgiveness. Thus, frequent confession is an imperative.
Participating
in the Divine Liturgy is a great privilege, for in this service we are entering
into a place where there is neither time nor space, and where we are worshiping
the Holy Trinity, together with the hosts of heaven.
In the
Liturgy, we encounter God in a way that is beyond human comprehension, for we
are invited to commune with our Creator in the most intimate way. To approach
the Holy Mysteries (Communion) without thought, as though we were simply going
to a movie, is beyond foolishness. To receive the "hot coals" that is
meant to transform us, and make us whole, without proper preparation, is a very
dangerous thing to do.
Love in
Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
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