Rogation in quarantine - Rector's Rambling for May 17, 2020

Today we celebrate Rogation Sunday, which any other year would mean we take a walk around the church perimeter as a representation of the walking the boundaries of our parish, asking God to bless us with the fruits of the field as the crops begin to be planted.  Although we are not an agricultural parish (with the exception of some community gardens), it is good to be reminded of our dependence upon God to give the blessing of the fields in cooperation with human labor.

Rogation Sunday is also a good reminder that we are sowing seed (of the Word of God), tending fields (by loving our neighbors as ourselves), and harvesting for the Kingdom of God (bringing people to Jesus).

And Rogation Sunday is also usually the signal that our observance of the Holy Ghost Novena and Thy Kingdom Come is just around the corner.  But we will have to arrange for that differently this year too.

As of the writing of this column it has been announced that the Roman Catholic Archdiocese will begin having public services on May 19, with all the parishes up and running by May 29.  A local Missouri Synod Lutheran and Independent Anglican parish have informed me that they are planning on opening for public worship on May 31, Whitsunday (the Feast of Pentecost).

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for the leadership of the three Episcopal Church dioceses in Michigan as they have to make the decision when we can reopen for public worship.  And even when we do so it will be with some restrictions as to congregation size, seating, and type of service that can be done.  And even then it is expected that those who are high risk will continue to participate from home via livestream.

Of course we want everyone to be safe, but being faithful, prayerful, and worshipful together is also important.