Well, a couple people asked so I guess I will provide an answer as to why I did not wear my ministry robe on Ash Wednesday.
As a rule, I have never been one to wear a ministry robe. I have one, and I know that some people see it as somehow "respecting God" but I have always felt that it attracted attention to me. I have always felt that a robe somehow made others feel that I was "set apart, other than, different from, even better than." That is not my model of ministry and I don't think it was Jesus' way either.
Consequently, I have not been a robe person. I have in the past made one exception, and that was on Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday has a very formal feel to it to me. A very holy, special time, so I have in the past worn my robe. [some joked when they saw me that they bet I was wearing shorts underneath the robe.]
This year, for the first time, I did not. Why? Well, here is why: it occurred to me that none of our associates have robes or wear robes and I don't want to set myself apart from them or make them feel funny. So this year, no robe for Ash Wednesday. I hope you understand.
[by the way, we are having church today. of course! First church of the Yukon at WCC is open. Park your sleds and snowmobiles and come on in.]
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
2 comments:
I REALLY wanted to come to church today, but am listening to my inner voice and staying home. I am just so afraid of falling. So, I am home, but my heart is at WCC. Betty
Thanks for being you, Jeff. I'm inclined to agree with you about the robe. I've been to churches where the pastor has worn a robe and not worn a robe. I like it better without a robe.
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