This Means Something

In the classic movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a young Richard Dreyfuss plays Roy, a man who experiences contact with aliens. 

In the wake of this experience, Roy becomes intrigued, even a bit obsessed with UFOs. He receives some kind of subliminal image and he, almost subconsciously, begins crafting this image in anything he can get his hands on. In a more memorable scene, he spends an inordinate amount of time and intention shaping his dinner mashed potatoes, and proclaims to his concerned wife, “This means something!”

Roy has had a metaphysical experience, something beyond the human realm of perception. The movie gives some answers - the shape’s meaning is revealed - but the sense of the movie is that there is more “out there," more at play, than can be given verbal or cinematic expression.

Many of us come to Anglican worship via other traditions, often ones with very different liturgies of worship. On Sundays we watch as candles are lit. We see our neighbor bow or cross him- or herself. We respond with words that become familiar over time. And, for many of us, we may lack words for exactly what is happening or why, but we proclaim like Roy Neary, “This means something!” In the liturgy, we make ourselves available for an encounter with the Holy Spirit, with the Living God. 

While part of our experience is ineffable, there is also effable intention and meaning behind the “shapes” we make, behind the words we hear and proclaim. 

This Sunday, Father Peter will lead us through what’s known as an “Instructed Eucharist.” As we worship together, he will take time to explain, to instruct us in aspects of our liturgy, and reflect on their significance. You won’t want to miss it!

With you in the mystery and revelation,
Sarah+