Now, liturgy is such a familiar home to which we can return. Not only the physical structure of a church or chapel, but also the rites themselves, liturgy's gestures, words, music, smells, sounds, and tastes become a place where prayer happens. As years go by, we grow to appreciate that this space, this manner of sitting and standing, this music, these objects with which we do things repeatedly week after week, this whole experience has been subtley shaping our attitudes, and illuminating our perceptions of how God is with us. Ever so gradually, the liturgy itself has gathered us into a people, created in us a spirit of praise, thanksgiving, wonder, and awe, prodded and guided us through the many deaths and rebirths that make up the story of our lives. For ritual to have this power, however, the community must make these gestures, pray these words, eat and drink this food, and sing these acclamations over and over again.
Repetition gives roots to our existence.
Each week we have recognized the Messiah in the proclaiming and cracking open of scripture's words. We have seen Christ in the breaking of the bread. We have hoped in the fulfillment of God's promises in drinking from the cup, we have known the unity of the Body of Christ in our common song and acclamation. We have experienced the Spirit of Christ praying in us as we offered prayers of praise and thanksgiving. And, when we meet again next week for the prayers, the scriptures, and the breaking of the bread, we can expect to encounter God with us yet again.