What is that the door to?

[VickySGV]

In the Christian churches that change the church decorations, communion dishes and hangings at various times of the church year, and whose clergy and lay ministers wear special vestments for the church services, there is a changing and storage/work room called the sacristy. It's door usually opens right off the main Sanctuary of the church where the communion table stands. At times the clergy will enter the Sanctuary directly from that door and move into an area where the belief is that the miraculous Real Presence of Christ resides in that church during the Communion or Holy Eucharist service.

The sacristy in effect is a closet (most have many closets) that has clothing in it that defines the participants in a solemn but joyful relgious experience. To conduct or participate in that service though, they must leave the closet and come out in front of the people in their congregation. The do not perform the solemn and meaningful parts of worship while in the sacristy, they must be out with all people in sight of man and Christ to do what their religious traditions call for.

We too have closet doors and rooms that we change in. The question is, can we ourselves step out of that closet into the sight of man and Christ? Our closets have clothing in them that define our real participation in our relations with our God, and most of us believe God knows we are still in the closet. When we are free to vest in clothing that defines our relationship to God and Christ, then and only then can we be fully in communion with all of Christ's people.

We need to turn OUR closets into a Sacristy where we will put on garments that signify our relation to God and will give us the full openness of spirit that Christ is seeking in us for His use and love.

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

[Guest harvester52]

What a magnificent comparison! Really made me think... what you say is very true. Next time I vest for mass, I am going to meditate on this... thank you!

- Fr. BC

[JJ]

Beautiful thoughts.

Sadly for some the practice of religion is far different.

I was raised in a denomination that saw ANY decoration-even stained glass in the windows or plush on the hard wooden pews-as taking away from the concentration on God and therefore not allowed. All they had was white walls and wood and a place to baptize people. I always saw it as sad that people thought the best way to worship God was to eliminate his beauty from the environment. Even as a small child.

Your experience and your analogy so much better fits what has lived in my heart for as long as I can remember.

Thank you and may you also always know the Peace of the Lord

Johnny

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Vicky!

Once again, I have thoroughly enjoyed your message!

I receive your message as one of importance and one of inspiration and of joy!

Many people write about their spiritual lives; yet, not so many write with such enthusiasm, such insight, such inspiration!

As I read your posts, I feel you are deeply sincere and "Spirit led." The genuine nature of your writings touches me deeply.

The joy... well, your joy in truly palpable!

Thanks so very much for continuing to share as you feel led to do so!

Brad

[gennee]

Beautiful message, Vicky. I love the analogy.