Session 3 of Lenten “Instructed Eucharist” 2024
We concluded last week with a discussion of the Lectionary in the BCP, common lectionary used by liturgical western Christianity—RC, Lutheran, Anglicans (of which we are a part) some Protestant denominations
The Sermon (based on the lessons of the day scheduled by the lectionary)
Required since the first prayer book 1549, the exposition of scripture
Luther was the first to require a sermon at every mass (he was a RC Augustinian monk)
Great tradition of preaching in the Episcopal Church—drawing people to Christ
Reformation England, preaching became important for the first time
Early great preachers in England, who influenced the American church—John Owens, George Herbert, Charles Simeon
George Whitfield, one of preachers of the first American Great Awakening in the early 18th century, Charles and John Wesley
Phillips Brooks late 19th century, who wrote “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
In our time, N.T. Wright, John Stott, John Howe
The Nicene Creed
Settled by the Council of Nicaea in 325, this is what the church catholic believes, used by RC, Anglican, and Orthodox churches
Apostle’s Creed—oldest statement of faith, early 2nd C, Nicene more in depth
It is an outline of the content of the Christian faith, to be recited regularly until learned, a profession of what we believe, using it also shapes what we believe
What we believe about God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The Prayers of the People
Used since the early 2nd century
Concerns of the people brought to God, prayed as a litany, involving a deacon and the petitions of the congregants in categories of concern
Confession of Sin
A general confession v. sacramental confession (all may, none must, some should—it can be a life-changing experience)
After preparatory prayers (collect for purity, collect of the day), hearing the word of God read and proclaimed, professing what we believe about God, praying for the world, we are challenged to review our thoughts and behavior since the last time we participated in general confession, confess to God what comes to mind, and the things we can’t remember or face yet
Absolution—the pronouncement of God’s forgiveness of those who are repentant by a priest who has received the ministry of forgiveness by virtue of ordination, apostolic succession
Jesus entrusted this ministry to the disciples and the church in Matthew 16 and 18 and John 20
The “Comfortable Words” (only in Rite 1)
The promise and comfort of God to forgives
Those who could not be at peace with one another left before the peace, the peace is the an opportunity to be reconciled with one another
The Peace
Those who cannot pass the peace with everyone, should not receive communion, which is union with God and with one another, there is nothing between us