I recently received communion at a Lutheran church. As part of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, liturgy, the preface is spoken (or chanted) by the pastor.
It is truly good, right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting, who in the multitude of your saints did surround us with so great a cloud of witnesses that we, rejoicing in their fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set before us and, together with them, may receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and saying…
As I listened, it occurred to me that I did not know the definition of salutary. In case you were also wondering, here it is. It is an adjective that means:
1. favorable to or promoting health; healthful
2. promoting or conducive to some beneficial purpose; wholesome.
Now that I know what it means, I agree! It IS good, right, and salutary to give thanks to God and celebrate the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
