James De Koven: The Issue of Rituals and the Heart

Scriptural Basis

Matthew 13:47-52 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

"Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes." And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."

 Blog Reflection

When it comes to the matter of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, I am more of a high church person.  Although I like more progressive theology and spirituality, I like the celebration of Mass with all the old hymns, sung responsorial Psalms, the full Liturgy of the Word (First Reading, Psalm, Second Reading, Gradual Hymn and Gospel) as opposed to a shortened version of just a First Reading and Gospel Reading.

Ritual's pro side is that we are drawn into a sense of the Divine.   Being drawn out of ourselves and into something the is beyond ourselves helps us to create community with others and realize that what affects one of us, affects all of us.

On the con side of ritual it can also become so routine that we can do things without thinking about what we are doing.  Many who do not like the idea of ritual, often criticize a ritual they dislike, while not paying attention to rituals that they already practice.  Like taking a shower every day, or taking medication, watching a particular television program at a set time every day or week.  Whether we know it or not, like it or not, these are rituals.

James De Koven was a believer in preserving the ritual actions of the celebration of the Eucharist.  The Nashotah House that he was part of was heavily influenced by the principles of the Oxford Movement.  His positions caused him to be loose the consents to be consecrated as Bishop of Wisconsin in 1874 and Illinois in 1875. 

To the General Convention of 1874, De Koven expressed the religious conviction that underlay his Churchmanship: “You may take away from us, if you will, every external ceremony; you may take away altars, and super-altars, lights and incense and vestments; … and we will submit to you. But, gentlemen … to adore Christ’s Person in his Sacrament—that is the inalienable privilege of every Christian and Catholic heart. How we do it, the way we do it, the ceremonies with which we do it, are utterly, utterly, indifferent. The thing itself is what we plead for.” (Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 282).

I named this blog post as "The Issue of Rituals and the Heart" because I do believe that there is a connection between the practices of our lives including our worship and the attitudes of our hearts.  When our Liturgical worship and Sacraments are exclusive of individuals based on our own prejudices, we show what is in our hearts in ways that perhaps we may not entirely understand.  We send messages that say something about what is in our minds and hearts in ways that are difficult to explain.  I think the point is not whether we understand or can explain these things, but do we understand that those things are there?

Because the opposite is also true.  When our Liturgical worship and the Sacraments are celebrated beautifully and inclusively it challenges those hearts and minds that are still struggling with our personal and private prejudices as the Holy Spirit speaks to us in the depths of our souls. People who once thought there was no place for them in our churches suddenly find a welcome that even we did not realize was there.

Remember the Holy Spirit does not like to leave us inside our comfortable Pandoras Boxes.   She likes to shake us up some times so that we will see what is within us and challenge us to move beyond where we are, so that the Holy Spirit can "guide us into all truth." 

I think that is why issues like inclusive language, the ordination of women Bishops, Priests and Deacons, as well as LGBTQ people shakes people us and causes many to become uncomfortable.   People do not like their comfort zones disturbed, so that they have to look at those dark places that need the Light of Jesus Christ to help make a difference in people's lives.

I think that is the meaning of Jesus' words that the reign of God is like a net with many different fish.  I also thing the same meaning is there in what is "new and what is old."

If my readers are like me, we all like things the way they used to be in a way.  We like what was old and what made us remember those special moments that gave us a sense of nostalgia.    But for LGBT people, once we come out and start to live our lives as individuals who are open about who we are and who we love, we tend to embrace a whole different sense of what was old and what is new.   Yet somehow what was before, and what is now is still a very real part of who we are.

I think what this commemoration of Jame De Koven challenges us to consider is to examine what is in our hearts as we celebrate our rituals.  Is our purpose to be open to the God who wants to work God the Holy Spirit's power of conversion in our lives, or is it to just find a comfort zone for our prejudices?

Whether our answer or struggle is with one or the other, there is no place in either of those where God's grace cannot meet us and help us to move forward for the benefit of ourselves and the Body of Christ.  God is always our willing and loving Parent who wants more than anything to be close to us in our celebrations and our struggles.   God is our Shepherd who will search us out and bring us from pastures that are dangerous into places that are well guarded by Christ the Good Shepherd.

This Lent as we make our way to Holy Week and Easter we can examine our hearts and minds and place them in the presence of God and ask for the Holy Spirit to help us know where, when and how to move our hearts, minds and attitudes.

Prayers

Almighty and everlasting God, the source and perfection of all virtues, you inspired your servant James De Koven to do what is right and to preach what is true: Grant that all ministers and stewards of your mysteries may impart to your faithful people, by word and example, the knowledge of your grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 283).

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, page 815).