Amen

Well i posted this in my xanga a while ago i thought i would post it again. This is an article by Rev. Fabrizius on Amen.

Sometimes people regard the "Amen" as optional or simply as a way of saying "the end." If that is the case then it is understandable that the "Amen" is mumbled and omitted at times. Why do we even use the word?In Luther's Small Catechism, he explains the meaning of this little word at the end of the Lord's Prayer. Some may think lightly of a word that is used so often, but this is a great and powerful word. It means, "Yes, it shall be so" or, in a Lutheran phrase, "This is most certainly true." This is a powerful confession of faith which is spoken by God's children in response to His Word.From the beginning of the Church's history the Old Testament practice of saying "Amen" to God's Words was retained. Our liturgy continues to reflect that understanding. The invocation begins the service. To these words the congregation responds with a hearty "Amen." When you do this, you are confessing that in the waters of Holy Baptism God truly adopted you as His child, forgave your sins, and poured out His Holy Spirit. You are acknowledging that you are joined with the Holy Trinity. When these same words are used at a baptism, it is not the Pastor who says "Amen," but you who have witnessed it. With your loud "Amen" you confess that Christ has baptized through water and the Word.Does it make a difference if the Pastor says "Amen" or you say "Amen"? Yes. The Pastor speaks the Word of Christ and performs the Baptism as Christ's steward of the mysteries of God. When he has spoken for Christ, then you confess you faith that Christ's Word of promise in Baptism is true.When you say "Amen" at the end of a prayer, you are ending it with a confession of faith. The Pastor leads the prayers of the people because he represents Christ who intercedes for us before the throne of the Father. You confess that you believe Christ's promise to hear your prayer and answer it.Finally, let us examine the word of blessing at the end of the Sacrament. The Pastor speaks the comforting promise of peace after you have received the body and blood of the Lord. The heart of faith then confesses with the Pastor that this is certainly true. Our "Amen" testifies that you believe the Word of Christ spoken by the Pastor, "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."But what if you don't do this? The blessing is not dependent on your outward response. Your faith is totally reliant upon the promise of Christ who gives the gift. But why not confess with your lips what you believe with your heart?

Hope you enjoyed it.