שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

Shema Yisrael! This was the call of Moses to call the children of God together. In English it is translated as “HEAR, O ISRAEL!” In other words “COME HERE! GOD… THE TRUE GOD, HAS SOME STUFF YOU NEED TO HEAR!”

The call to worship was a call to be in the presence of God. It was a time for the proclamation of the true God in word and deed. It was a time of instruction in His presence. GOD HAS SAID SOMETHING! IT’S IMPORTANT! IT’S FOR YOU!

To this day, the gathering of the congregation is a call to be in the presence of God. Church is about being a faithful child in the presence of your Holy Father. Each time the Church gathers, it is a call from Christ to be where He is in Word and Sacrament… in Law and Gospel… Confession and Forgiveness. As Sunday approaches, keep in mind that the call has been made. The horn has been blown. God is here. Come see.

Oh,taste and see that the Lord is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

–Psalm 34:8