Concerning the Mass – part 67

Concerning the Mass – part 67

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 2:42

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

There is no need of further proof, since readers of the Greek writers will find examples everywhere of the use of leitourgia for public, civil duties and assistance. Because there is a diphthong, grammarians do not derive it from lite, which means prayers, but from leita, meaning public goods. Leitourgeo means, “I attend to” or “administer public goods.”

Pulling It Together

So, we have come to see that the liturgy of the Church is not a sacrifice at all. It is the whole service of worship that is done for the good of all present. From the outset, the liturgy is confession and assurance of forgiveness (1 John 1:9). It is also hymn singing (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), gracious greeting (2 Corinthians 13:14), prayers — sung, spoken, and silent — (Acts 16:25, 1 Cor 14:15, Revelation 15:3), the reading of Scripture and preaching (2 Timothy 3:16, 4:13), belief statements (1 Corinthians 15:13-14, Romans 10:9-10), offerings (Rom 12:1, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Hebrews 13:6), and the Great Thanksgiving, including Holy Communion (Acts 2:42, 20:7, 1 Corinthians 1:16, 11:23-24). The liturgy of the Church is worship for the common good or blessing from God.

Prayer: Bless us, O Lord, as we gather to worship you. Amen

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