{"id":71,"date":"2013-05-18T19:04:10","date_gmt":"2013-05-19T00:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jillmaria.com\/wordpress\/?p=71"},"modified":"2013-05-18T20:14:41","modified_gmt":"2013-05-19T01:14:41","slug":"an-epiclesis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jillmaria.com\/?p=71","title":{"rendered":"An Epiclesis"},"content":{"rendered":"

In our parish, we will be bringing the Altar Bells back to the liturgy in a few weeks. \u00a0There are many different feelings and theological pros and cons for this, but we wish to help the congregation be more attentive at these key moments.<\/p>\n

\u00a0(For a Video of Server Instructions see here.)\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

This week, when I was training the altar servers, I was trying to explain the first place you ring, which is during the epiclesis;<\/em> that is the calling down of the Holy Spirit to transform the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. \u00a0This can be complex for the kids to learn so you teach them to “Watch Father’s hands…” \u00a0 when he puts them in an out stretched position,\u00a0 he calls down the Spirit.<\/p>\n

Anyways, \u00a0in the process, I was reminded of a poem I wrote a few years ago and thought it was appropriate to bring it round again on Pentecost!<\/p>\n

\"holy-spirit-fire\"<\/a><\/p>\n

An epiclesis<\/h2>\n

An epiclesis . . .
\nHoly Spirit coming down,
\nmaking her way here.<\/p>\n

See how we call you forth
\nthrough groans and pray’rs and silence
\nthat you might complete<\/p>\n

our unfinished thoughts-
\nactions begun in earnest-
\ngently left aside.<\/p>\n

O see us wanting
\nthat which we cannot fathom-
\nthat which saves us,<\/p>\n

or perhaps raging,
\nas agony becomes us
\nand we cannot grasp<\/p>\n

your presence within,
\namong, around, all through us
\nO sweet, healing balm.<\/p>\n

Yours is the comfort,
\nseeking life, creating it
\nrefreshing Spirit,<\/p>\n

renewing the face
\nof the earth, of our being
\nas we wait in hope.<\/p>\n

O great breath of God,
\nthe source of all compassion
\nfill us with your love.<\/p>\n

An epiclesis . . .
\ntaking the ordinary,
\ncreating anew.<\/p>\n

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