The Didache: An Instruction Manual for the Early Church

In Mass today, we sang a hymn that was based on some lines from the Didache. The Didache (pronounced: "did-a-kay") was the earliest writing of the early church written between 50 to 80 AD. Though it is not canonical, it was used by the early Christians as a guide to living and assembling together as a community. Originally it was thought to be written by the apostles but that is probably not the case. Most importantly for us now, it provides a "snapshot" of what the early church looked and worshipped like.

The Didache provides evidence that the early church celebrated a sacrifice which we call the Mass. This is further evidence that the first Christians within 30 years of Jesus' ascension were celebrating the breaking of bread which is the Eucharistic sacrifice, Christ's actual body and blood with the outward appearance of bread and wine. Christ is not re-crucified in the Mass, but His sacrifice for us to the Father is re- presented, throughout the altars of the world. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever and so is His sacrifice for us. He died once and for all for our sin, but continually He is offered on our behalf and the behalf of his church here on earth through the Mass.

Here is a qoute from the Didache:

14:1 But on the Lord's day, after that ye have assembled together, break bread and give thanks, having in addition confessed your sins, that your sacrifice may be pure.
14:2 But let not any one who hath a quarrel with his companion join with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be polluted,
14:3 for it is that which is spoken of by the Lord. In every place and time offer unto me a pure sacrifice, for I am a great King, saith the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the Gentiles ( this verse is based on Malachi 1).

As we sang that closing hymn and I looked up at the stained glass windows , I was again reminded of God's power, majesty and steadfast love preserving His church for the past 2000 years.