Letter 26

Isidore of PelusiumThe same inquirer|isidore pelusium
From: Isidore of Pelusium, monk
To: The same inquirer
Date: ~410 AD
Context: Isidore continues his explanation of the liturgy, discussing the altar cloth and further symbols.

The priest pronounces peace upon the church from the height of his chair, imitating the Lord who upon his ascension left and gave his own peace. When the people respond, "And with your spirit," they mean: "You have given us peace among ourselves, Lord. Now give us peace with you — that inseparable union — so that, being at peace in your spirit which you placed in us at creation, we may remain inseparable from your love."

A further explanation of the liturgical mystery: The clean linen cloth spread upon the altar represents the burial shroud of Christ.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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