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Meditations on the Divine Liturgy
Nikolai Gogol, tr. Alexeieff, 1913
Conclusion
The significance of the Divine Liturgy is great; it is celebrated visibly and openly in the sight of all, and yet it is full of mystery.
If the worshipper but follow each act reverently and attentively his soul will be uplifted: it becomes possible for him to fulfil the Commandments of Christ, the yoke of Christ will be easy and His burden light. On leaving the church where he has been present at the divine Feast of love he sees in all men his brethren. Whether he take up his daily task in business or in the family, or wherever it be, he involuntarily retains in his spirit the high resolve of such intercourse with all as is inspired by the love brought from heaven by the God-Man.
If he have power over others he will be more lenient to those under him. If himself under the rule of another he will more readily and carefully obey him. If he see one in need his heart will more than ordinarily prompt him to give help.
If he himself be needy he will thankfully accept the least bounty, and never pray more heartily for his benefactor than now. And all who have attentively followed the Divine Liturgy go forth gentler, kindlier in dealing with others, friendlier, quieter in their behaviour. And, therefore, for every one who desires to advance and to become better, it is needful as frequently as possible to be present at the Divine Liturgy, and to follow it carefully. It insensibly builds up and forms a man, and if society still hold together, if people do not breathe inveterate hatred to one another, the secret cause is the Divine Liturgy reminding man of holy, heavenly love towards his brother. And, therefore, if any would be confirmed in love, he must, as often as may be, frequent in fear, faith, and love the sacred Love-feast; and if he feel himself unworthy to receive within him God Himself, Who is all love, at least he is a witness when others communicate so as unconsciously and unnoticeably to become each time better.
Great and incalculable may be the influence of the Divine Liturgy if one make a rule to carry out in life what he has there heard. Teaching all alike, acting alike on all degrees and all callings, from the sovereign to the lowest beggar, saying the same to all in the same tongue, teaching to all love which is the bond of all, the hidden spring of all—keeping all in rhythmic motion. And if the Divine Liturgy act so strongly on those present at its celebration how much more so on him who celebrates—the priest. If he have celebrated reverently, in fear, faith, and love, he is purified as the vessels of the Temple, remaining pure all the day. In the fulfilment of his varying pastoral duties—in the family, among others, among his parishioners, who are also his family, the Saviour himself is represented by him. And in all he does Christ will act by him, and in his words Christ will speak. Whether he lead those at enmity to make peace, urge the strong to be merciful to the weak, soften the hard-hearted, console the sorrowful, encourage the suffering to be patient—his words have the power of healing oil and will everywhere be words of peace and love.