Things You Should Know
Hey, Why Do We Do That?
A series of questions and answers about Christian liturgy and practice.
(If you want to submit a question to me, I’ll do my best to answer it for you!)
Question:
Why does the Cross Bearer, the Acolyte, the choir, and pastor march in a processional at the beginning of the service?
Answer:
There are two sets of reasons, one practical and one theological. First, the practical: liturgical processions began in the 4th century. Christianity had just become a legal religion. In fact, it became the established religion in Constantine’s empire. Thus, Christians were no longer worshipping in hidden chapels, homes, and catacombs. Churches had to become much larger to accommodate the new throngs of worshippers. With this, there came a logistical problem. How do you move people from point A (outside the church) to point B (inside the church, to places where worship can be led)? Of course, as you learned in geometry, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. The procession of leaders and singers would start outside and march right down the center of the church into their places before the people. That’s the easiest way to get people in their places in a very large space.
Now for the theological: As is usual in Church history, practical arrangements take on theological meanings. Processions reveal that the Christian life is a journey from where we once were as God’s people to the place where God is leading us in Christ. The procession on Sunday mornings reminds us that we are part of the universal Church and that we are on the move. By God’s grace, we are making progress toward the Reign of God. Plus, we are moving in a particular way. We all follow the cross and the light of Christ. The presence of singers reminds us that the journey is a joyful one. In many churches, the Bible or the book of Gospels is held high in procession. We do not journey without the Word to guide us. Lastly, the pastors and/or Bishop enter. Why last; because these are the shepherds of the flock. Shepherds guide the sheep by keeping them all within their sight lest anyone go astray.
Back to the practical: So, you might ask, “Well, why don’t we just start worship with everyone already in their places or coming in from the sides?” This might seem to be the simplest thing to do, but…
Again for the theological: The procession also reminds us that worship leaders are not a different class of human being from the rest of us. When our leader’s process through the congregation we are reminded that they are also members of the whole people of God. We have set them apart to lead us in worship. They don’t sneak in from the side. They don’t arrive on a cloud. When I stand before you to preach the Word, I stand as one of you. I have shared life with you. I have visited with you. I have heard your stories. I have prayed with you. I have cried with you. I am one of you. The procession means that before I stand in front of you, I have to walk through you. I have to remember you. And also, for genuine preaching to take place, you have to pray for and support me.
We don’t have processionals just to have some hoity-toity thing to do on a Sunday morning. We process to remember that we are on a journey with each other and with Christ.
Blessings,
Misty
Heart matters
A relationship between two or more of Christ's followers is simply a heart-to-heart matter.
Methodism founder John Wesley said: "If your heart is as my heart, give me your hand." In other words, when two (or more) people know Christ, they have something wonderful in common. Therefore, they should embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Attending worship and being involved in church activities draws us closer to Jesus and to each other. As Christ-ians, we are called to be hospitable toward strangers, not just our friends and acquaintances. Remember Christ's words: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me ..." (Matthew 25:35, NRSV).
Epitaph
British intellectual Malcolm Muggeridge, who became a Christian late in life, predicted what his epitaph might read because he once scoffed at Christianity.
"Here lieth one whose soul sometimes burned with great longings. To whom sometimes the curtain of the infinite was opened just a little, but who lacked the guts to make any use of it."
The story of Muggeridge's conversion is found in his book Confessions of a Twentieth Century Pilgrim. When Muggeridge became a Christian, he held nothing back, writing many books about his route to Christ and his work for Christ.
After Muggeridge learned about Mother Teresa's amazing ministry, he went to Calcutta's slums to follow the saintly nun as she showed Christlike mercy to poor, dying people. He wrote the first major book about Mother Teresa, called Something Beautiful for God.
When Muggeridge died in 1990, he was indeed "in Christ." On his gravestone is the epitaph "Valiant for Truth."
