FROM THE PASTOR
Mystagogy
Dear church,
Much will happen or has happened this week, depending on when you are reading this post. In worship we:
- Heard a word of individual forgiveness
- Traced a cross of chrism (oil) on your forehead
- Received the gift of someone washing your feet
- Feasted on the Eucharist – perhaps, like for Nathan, for the first time
- Stripped away all the furnishings and decorations
- Venerated the cross with a touch, a kiss, or a simple prayer
- Lit a candle and watched the flames dance in the night
- Listened intently to God’s saving acts throughout all of history
- Proclaimed Christ is Risen! over and over again
Over the course of these next weeks of Easter, I hope to provide some space in this blog for reflecting on these experiences in the style of mystagogy.
Mystagogy is an ancient practice that will deepen our understanding and appreciation of the mysteries of our faith. It is more than a teaching tool; it’s a way to immerse ourselves in the sacred realities we’ve encountered in our recent liturgical celebrations.
In mystagogy, we don’t just remember these actions; we delve into their deep spiritual significance. We seek to understand how they transform us and how they call us to live out our faith in our daily lives. It’s about connecting the sacred rituals with our everyday experiences, discovering how God’s saving acts throughout history are intimately woven into our personal stories.
So, let us allow our Holy Week experiences to unfold their deeper meanings. May this time enrich our faith, draw us closer to the divine, and empower us to be witnesses of Christ’s resurrection and love in the world.
God’s peace,
Pastor Kyle
