To St John’s Anglican Church
In-person Worship Services have resumed.
Following current Diocese Pandemic Protocols: It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to be fully vaccinated, masks be properly worn and practice social distancing.
To St John’s Anglican Church
In-person Worship Services have resumed.
Following current Diocese Pandemic Protocols: It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to be fully vaccinated, masks be properly worn and practice social distancing.
Epiphany 5 Isaiah 58:1-9a[9b-12] February 5, 2023 Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, “Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, ———————————- 2. How are rituals like fasting and bowing—or holding processions, wearing particular kinds of clothing, singing songs, going to holiday services—part of our world today? Revisit some particular ritual of church, school, or government and consider: Toward what institution, person, or idea was it directed? How is it meant to benefit that institution, person, or idea? What do the leaders and participants expect to be the benefit of the performance to them? What effect does the ritual actually have? How may they be of use to our communities of work, family, church, or school? What are things our rituals cannot do for our communities? 3. In your own life, what rituals—patriotic, religious, familial, or entirely private—do you observe? Jot down a list of them noting 1) the ritual 2) the object 3) the reason. Which ones do you enjoy, and which seem more like duty? What may there be within you that craves certain rituals? What may be the source or sources of that craving? What might be costs to you of abandoning one or more of your rituals? How might you benefit? What might the part of you that craves ritual say to the part that grows impatient with ritual? What reply would the impatient side give? What might each have to offer the other? |