A weekly devotional blog by the Reverend Susan Montague-Koyle. Drawing on liturgical notes and the commemorations of the saints, Rev. Susan offers teaching and inspiration for Anglicans across Algoma and beyond.
A Liturgical Note for You
Orthodoxy and Parties: There Is a Connection…
In the entry below about Leo the Great, I mention that he was a defender of orthodoxy. Many people translate this as meaning “true faith” or “true beliefs,” rather than its actual meaning — “true worship.”
Worship is incredibly important in forming us in our faith. There is an ancient principle in the Church:
Lex orandi, lex credendi — “The law of prayer is the law of faith.”
The words we pray express what we believe, and our prayer shapes how we live out our beliefs. To put it another way:
We pray what we believe, we believe what we pray, and through our prayer we become what we pray.
Poorly done worship services, therefore, have little effect, no effect, or worse — a negative effect — on our formation and transformation into the likeness of Christ.
What Does It Mean to “Do” Worship Poorly?
Using the word poorly in reference to how our liturgies are carried out begs the question: What does it mean to “do” a worship service poorly?
I could talk all day about this one… but don’t worry, I won’t. 😊
Here are just a few thoughts to get you thinking.
Our worship is, at the same time, reverent yet joyful. Even during our most solemn worship services, such as on Good Friday, there is an underlying foundation of deep joy since we have been reconciled with God — Christ has triumphed over the powers of the world.
Our Sunday worship of Holy Eucharist is particularly joyful since we are celebrating this triumph known in Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension. Each Sunday Eucharist is a Feast of the Lord, and feasts are filled with joy!
The word feast actually originates from festive. When we gather around the table to share the bread and wine, we are partaking in the banquet of God’s kingdom as it is meant to be “on earth as in heaven.”
Bishop N. T. Wright is fond of saying that everywhere Jesus went, a party popped up. Each Sunday Eucharist is our victory party with Jesus in the kingdom of God.
Recovering the Joy of Worship
It is a shame that this knowledge and understanding of the early Church was lost over the centuries, but it is most definitely being recovered. Deacons of the early Church often found it necessary to take on the role of “bouncer” because worship tended to get a little rowdy! Don’t worry — I’m not advocating for that wild a party. But I do understand that previous generations in our mainstream churches were taught a more restrained liturgical style, and that letting go of long-held customs can be difficult.
However, the early Church exploded in numbers because of this vibrant, hope-filled faith — and I’m eager for us to regain the knowledge and way of being that fueled their passionate joy.
Remember: everywhere that Jesus went, a party popped up.
For Your Devotions
Monday, November 10 – Leo the Great, Bishop of Rome, Teacher of the Faith (d.461)
Leo served as bishop of Rome from 440–461 and is best known for two things: defending orthodoxy (true worship) and supporting papal supremacy.
He wrote against the heresy that claimed Christ had only one nature, teaching instead that Christ is fully human and fully divine — a truth affirmed by his famous “Tome” at the Council of Chalcedon (451).
More: Britannica – Saint Leo I
Tuesday, November 11 – Martin, Bishop of Tours (d.397)
While a soldier and catechumen, Martin famously tore his cloak in half to share with a beggar — a gesture he later dreamed was made to Christ Himself.
He petitioned the Roman emperor to leave the army, saying he was “Christ’s soldier” and could fight only with the word of God.
On Remembrance Day, as we honour those who died or suffered in war, may humanity embrace God’s peace:
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.” — Isaiah 2:4
More: For All the Saints – p.340
Wednesday, November 12 – Charles Simeon, Presbyter (d.1836)
A remarkable blend of High Church and Evangelical, Simeon served his entire ministry at Cambridge. His preaching, devotion, and philanthropy transformed the English Church.
“They gradually changed the whole spirit of the English Church… raised the standard of clerical duty, and completely altered the tone and tendency of preaching.” — W.E.H. Lecky
More: Forward Movement – Charles Simeon
Friday, November 14 – Samuel Seabury, First Anglican Bishop in North America (d.1784)
A priest and physician, Seabury was chosen as bishop by the clergy of Connecticut in 1783. Unable to be consecrated in England due to law, he travelled to Scotland and was consecrated there — establishing apostolic succession in the American Church.
More: Britannica – Samuel Seabury
In Christ,
Rev. Susan Montague-Koyle