Christians often strive to tear down walls that separate people. Recently, though, I visited a church that had an elaborate wall at the front of its worship space, separating the congregation from a symbolic holier place where the priests hang out. Initially offended by this wall, I gained a new appreciation for it when I learned how it’s used every Sunday during worship services.
I took this photo inside the Church of the Annunciation that sits at one possible location in Nazareth where the angel, Gabriel, announced to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus.
Our tour guide explained that Greek Orthodox churches feature ornate walls like the one behind him to recall the curtain in the Jerusalem temple of Jesus’ time. That curtain separated everything else from the “holy of holies” where God dwelt. Every Sunday the priests re-enact a dramatic scene during Jesus’ death on the cross that’s related to that curtain.
Matthew 27:51 records that when Jesus died, the curtain in the temple tore from top to bottom. This exposed the holy of holy spaces and symbolized that in Jesus God had ended the separation of people from God. At each worship service Greek Orthodox priests go behind the wall, prepare the bread and wine of communion, and then bring them through the wall to the congregation. I found myself drawn to the symbolism of every Sunday re-enacting God’s move in Jesus to leave designated holy places and go out to the normal places where normal people live.
As Julie and I lead Access we try to break down symbolic walls that might separate people from God. We explain technical church language when we use it, invite congregation members actively to participate in what’s happening, engage multiple senses in worship, and more. We’ll not likely ever build a wall in our Access worship space, but I see and appreciate the creative way Greek Orthodox churches use their walls to proclaim the same access to God that we celebrate.
How might you help people experience the God that’s not confined to designated holy spaces? It might be as simple as inviting someone to join you at Access!
Speaking of joining you at Access, this Sunday we’ll continue our “God Questions” series of sermons with a look at a tough question Jesus asked about judging others. We’ll also encounter God’s presence with us through music, prayer, giving, and the communion meal.
See you Sunday!
Rich
Rich Rindfuss
Access Pastor
First United Methodist Church Richardson