Anaphora

Date: 04 September 2005 12:42:30

Deacon: Let us stand aright. Let us stand with fear. Let us be attentive, that we may offer the holy Eucharist in peace.
People: This is the mercy of peace, the sacrifice of praise.
Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord.
People: It is right and just.

So begins the Anaphora (lifting up), the part of the Divine Liturgy where, in the words of Fr Hopko, "the gifts of bread and wine which have been offered on the altar are lifted up from the altar to God the Father, and receive divine sanctification by the Holy Spirit who comes to change them into the very Body and Blood of Christ."

This is apparently one of the oldest parts of the liturgy, and it is suprisingly similar in a number of churches: Anglican, Catholic, Church of the East, Lutheran, Uniting... There are variations, but I have noticed a great deal of similarity. It is wonderful to think of the many people now, and who have gone before us, praying these words.

These words in particular struck me today. By the fact that they have been said for centuries, and are being said by many around the world now, but also by what they represent: a wondrous drawing near to God and thanksgiving to Him for all He accomplished for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. As the Eucharistic Canon continues, the remembrance of that night some 2,000 years ago is brought to mind afresh, and prayers and praise are offered. Time here is stopped: at least it feels that way. The events of that first Holy Thursday are recalled to mind and brought into the present. And not just that night, but the crucifixion, the resurrection, the ascension: and even Christ's coming again. They are all mentioned and all come together in this true Holy Communion between God and man.

Thanks be to God.