Today the Church celebrates Justin, a martyr, layman and early defender of the faith to the emperor. He gives us an early description of the Eucharistic celebration. Here is basically what he says to the emperor:
a) On the first day of the week, the day named after the sun, all
who live in cities or in the country gather together in one place
(common worship of the assembly) ...
b) The memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are
read, as long as time permits (Liturgy of the Word) ...
c) An instruction is given by the presider, an exhortation to imitate
these good things (homily) ...
d) Prayers for the common good are offered, for all present, for the
newly baptized, for those absent (intercessions)...
e) Bread and wine, and water, are brought forward, and the presider
offers prayers and thanksgivings, and the people assent, saying
Amen (preparation of gifts & Eucharistic prayer)...
f) There is a distribution of that over which thanks has been given
by the deacons to those present who are washed clean in baptism,
who believe the things that the community teaches, and who are
living as Christ has enjoined them (Communion) ...
g) Those who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks fit;
and what is collected is deposited with the presider, who take care
of the needy (stewardship and charity) ...
Does any of this sound familiar? What was described took place around 150, but it fairly well describes our gathering for Sunday Eucharist today. Thank God for the unity we have with the early Church, and the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and worship.
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