holy week and such...

I'm thankful for the church family I've been spending time with for the past few months. Part of that is that they incorporate into our worship practices of communal reading and reflection that are more commonly associated with various other Christian groups. I've thought over the years about how, for various reasons, the church tradition I grew up in, as well as others, have avoided certain elements found in the history of Christian worship and practice.

Perhaps some of those reasons are or were valid to make a break from unhealthy attachment to tradition or some religious form, I feel that the reaction has been mostly overly harsh and more a move from a position of fear than anything else. My feeling is that many in Christian churches who rejected such things at some point in recent decades, especially in America, have lost touch with the broader scope of our heritage and the traditions and practices that have been passed down through the centuries. Yes, I think it's healthy to evaluate such practices and ensure that we're not caught up in some form or discipline above our devotion to and following of God. But I think that, in many cases, we've simply replaced ancient/traditional forms for our own modern ones that have affected the same unwanted outcome that was rejected before.

Just food for thought... especially this week when some of the long-standing traditions and practices of Christian community that tie us so closely to Christ take place. So many are unaware of what they could experience in community through these, are fearful for various reasons of the practices themselves, or simply refuse to take part. Such events could be beautiful times that bring the community of believers closer together rather than widen the gaps between us if we allowed them to do so.

I hope you are drawn into deeper community through your reflection of Christ during Holy week. Hope you're well!