CHURCH DISMISSED

We have come to the end of our reflections on vertical habits. One way to remember them is to associate them with parts of a worship service. For example, we begin by saying “I love you” to God. When we confess our sin, we say “I'm sorry,” and we get ready for the sermon by telling God, “I'm listening.” Then, when we are dismissed at the end of worship, we say to God, “Send me.” This dismissal is more important than we might think. As a pastor, I often notice that as I give the closing blessing, some people reach for their coats and purses. For them, these final words of worship give them a good opportunity to start making an exit. But there's a big difference between leaving worship and being dismissed from it. At the end of the service, God sends his people out of the church and into the world, where they continue to “declare the praises of him who called [them] out of darkness into his wonderful light.” In some Christian traditions the worship service is called a “Mass.” This word comes from the Latin words traditionally spoken at the end of worship: Ite missa est. These words mean, “Go, you are dismissed.” They are among the most important words God says to us. Anyone can leave a worship service. But only God can dismiss us.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for calling us out of darkness and into light. Help us to live a life of praise in such a way that others will clearly see we belong to you. Amen.

Peter Hoytema