Categories: uncategorized
Date: 01 December 2002 23:00:00
I think burgundy really suits me. And the golden piping was rather fetching too. Not sure about having to stand next to the Ghanaian bishop who's also visiting the parish - when singing I tend to follow the notes of the person next to me, and he's only got two. Only missed one step during the procession (just after the priest had whispered "You're doing really well" in my ear!). All rather silly, all rather fun.
Are robes and actions more "meaningful" or "proper"? No, not in any abstract or even subjective terms. However, standing behind the table, watching the other ministers at work, it suddenly struck me how we create symbols to aid us in worship, be that carrying a Bible into Church in a presbyterian service, censing the table in a catholic one, lighting a candle or playing some ambient music in alt.w*. E.g., if you believe you carrying out the breaking of bread in order to help an entire community to come into God's presence, it makes a certain sense to pray that your actions will be found worthy, or that your proclamation of the Gospel will bring glory to God.
The liturgical actions arose from the devotional desires and requirements of those whose job it is to be at the front - let's not beat around the bush here; the laity had very little say in the shape of the development of liturgy, despite the fact that it's meant to be on their behalf. But they are expression of faith, if we remember at all times that they are mostly for the benefit of the participant, not the viewer. Some will find it adequate to watch that happening from their place in the congregation, some will find it stiflingly unrepresentative. Me, I think everyone, once in a while, should have the chance to be up at the front, carrying out actions for themselves and for others, both to help us as individuals "actualise" our worship and also to remind ourselves of the corporate, "team" nature of the Church.