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Prayer
This day, Grace that I may receive peace
This day, Grace that I may give peace
This day, Grace that I may be peace
Amen.
Story
A monk visited with the abbot. “Father,” asked the monk, “why is it that even after we read Scripture several times daily and say our prayers, likewise we do the other daily and weekly liturgical rites, but it seems many of our brothers show little evidence of it in their lives?” The abbot replied, “My son, because some persons observe the rites and other persons let the rites move through them. The former keep working at it, the latter grow more and more to look through it.”
Comments
Ritual in and of itself may or may not influence a person positively. Ritual, still, approached rightly has an amazing potency to transform the way we see the world and act in the world. Ritual has to move through us to effect ongoing transformation. Ritual has historical and archetypal energy. Engaged with a willingness to be open to the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit uses ritual to continue the ongoing process of shaping us into the likeness of Christ. Ritual must be seen, then, as a spiritual tool of the Spirit of Christ, as the Holy Spirit uses the archetypal and historical significances to transform mind, body, and soul. The final criterion for a right engagement of ritual, both in public and private, is the question, “Am I becoming more like Jesus Christ?”
Reflection
Is there a particular ritual, public or private, that seems to touch you most deeply? Explain.
What aspect of public worship do you most enjoy? Explain.
Spiritual Exercise
Take one historical rite of the Church and explore its origins, meaning, and purpose in the life of the faith community.
Consider, if you are not already, sponsoring a child through Compassion International. You can find out more about Compassion International by going to www.compassion.net to read about sponsoring, in the name of Jesus, children living in poverty. Thanks! Brian K. Wilcox
To contact Brian, write briankwilcox@comcast.net .
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