As the summer heats up, some Christians might be tempted to skip church for a few Sundays so they can enjoy the summer or just recreate as is often good for us to do (see my post Vacation and Recreation). Some may think vacation is also a good excuse for skipping church. It is good for us however to remember why we “go to church” in the first place.
This is why the Church assembles weekly in the Eucharist, not merely to offer petitions, but to remind us that communion with God requires sacrifice. Each Sunday we remember all that the Lord has done for us – “the cross, the tomb, the resurrection on the third day, the ascension into heaven, the enthronement at the right hand of the Father, and the second, glorious coming” – and we are moved to eagerly offer everything we have in return, proclaiming, “Thine own of thine own we offer unto you.” (Demetrios S. Katos, “The Foundations of Noetic Prayer”, Thinking Through Faith, p. 64-65)
“Going to church” is offering our life to God and joining all who offer their talents, resources, time and hearts to God. We enter into communion with our fellow Christians and with our Lord. We join our sacrifice to His to give thanks to God and to receive the blessings of eternal life.
Fraternized 