The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is pictured above in his ornate vestments as leading Bishop in the Anglican Church of which we are a part. Each piece of clothing and color have a particular meaning and there are particular reasons for wearing them. Weddings, Baptisms, Confirmations, and other days of celebration often bring out the fanciest of liturgical attire.
I was probably not the only one whose eyes glossed over a bit with the description of this clothing for the priesthood of Aaron. I returned to read it more carefully. While this passage is not prescriptive for the modern church, it described something special. When we encounter God's presence, you see biblical characters remove their shoes, bow their heads, and more. When they represent God, they do so with intention.
St. David's does not inhibit attendance based upon how we look when we go to church. In fact, I love to see soccer uniforms alongside suits. Worship is accessible from all who desire to come and we are authentic in that belief, Thanks be to God.
There is a reason we arrive, as we are or dressed up. We come to worship and give thanks to our God especially as was made incarnate in Christ. Our space is beautiful and we organize the service, including vestments and altar hangings intentionally. Our focus does not move toward how we look in outward appearance for each other but in the intention of our hearts when we enter that space and encounter each other in the name of Jesus. Bishop Doyle reminds us this week that our worship of God extends into our lives when we walk out of the door. That same intention, when brought to worship is then carried out into our lives.
Whether it is in our dress, actions, or words, know the intent is for God who sent Jesus into the world to die for our sins and whose Resurrection offers an eternal hope.
I was probably not the only one whose eyes glossed over a bit with the description of this clothing for the priesthood of Aaron. I returned to read it more carefully. While this passage is not prescriptive for the modern church, it described something special. When we encounter God's presence, you see biblical characters remove their shoes, bow their heads, and more. When they represent God, they do so with intention.
St. David's does not inhibit attendance based upon how we look when we go to church. In fact, I love to see soccer uniforms alongside suits. Worship is accessible from all who desire to come and we are authentic in that belief, Thanks be to God.
There is a reason we arrive, as we are or dressed up. We come to worship and give thanks to our God especially as was made incarnate in Christ. Our space is beautiful and we organize the service, including vestments and altar hangings intentionally. Our focus does not move toward how we look in outward appearance for each other but in the intention of our hearts when we enter that space and encounter each other in the name of Jesus. Bishop Doyle reminds us this week that our worship of God extends into our lives when we walk out of the door. That same intention, when brought to worship is then carried out into our lives.
Whether it is in our dress, actions, or words, know the intent is for God who sent Jesus into the world to die for our sins and whose Resurrection offers an eternal hope.
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