Gordon Lathrop, Holy Things IV

The beginning of chapter two continues the idea of juxtaposition begun in the latter parts of chapter one. This juxtaposition, or things set beside each other (parabolein), or thrown together (symballein), Lathrop sees has happening in three ordines: the cycle of daily prayer, the weekly cycle, and within the Sunday morning service.

In the cycle of daily prayer, Lathrop notes that the times of prayer seem to suggest honoring the sun, but the content relativizes the role of the sun, and honors them by honoring their Creator.

In the weekly cycle, Lathrop notes that the main service of the week for Christians happens after the Sabbath, and thus, on the first day of the week, which is the first work day. Thus the new day of worship is not a day of rest. Furthermore, the first day is also the eighth day, and thus simultaneously the beginning of the week, outside the week, and the beginning of something beyond the week.

Within the Sunday service, Lathrop notes that the service of readings and prayers, which is derived in concept (if not in form) from synagogue services, is joined to a meal which was the particular service of Christian groups. Furthermore, this juncture seems to have happened because of concerns for the poor, who were (on the evidence of Paul) being neglected by the full, separate meals. Instead of a full meal with neglected or only ritual help of the poor, there is a ritual meal with a real donation to the poor.

The next main point that Lathrop makes, building on 19th century Lutheran scholars (especially Löhe), is that the liturgy on Sunday is double peaked, with both the word and the table as peaks. (This idea is one I've had, under a different metaphor, of "climaxes", drawing in my case not on mountain ranges but on drama.) Lathrop argues that each of these peaks is itself double peaked. The reading of scripture is not superior to the sermon, nor is the sermon over the reading. Likewise, in the liturgy of the table, the thanksgiving is not superior to the reception, nor the reception to the thanksgiving.