“Now the responsibility of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the continual grain offering, and the anointing oil—the responsibility of all the tabernacle and everything that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings.”

-- Numbers 4:16

Reflection
In the Old Testament the descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, were assigned to priestly duties for the entire assembly. Many of these responsibilities centered around the holy of holies in the temple. The priests were the ones who took made sure the offerings were collected and dispersed, the flame in the lamps were tended to so they did not go out. The incense was burned as a continual offering to the Lord. In this way, the people were appropriately worshipping their God.

This year we have faced an extraordinary time when our own worship practices have been upended. We miss the coming together as a community to sing, pray together, share the peace, share the sacraments, hear God’s word preached and receive the blessing. Technology has made the services available and while we are grateful, we all know the remote experience is very different from being in person. We long for the day when we can once again be together, safely in person, to praise God. Meanwhile, know that God can receive our worship both in the church and in our homes. Many people work to provide the opportunity for all of us to worship as a congregation. Until we are sitting together, each of us can keep the flame of love for God burning in our hearts as we reflect that God’s Spirit is always with us.

-- Louise Rogers

Questions
What items are crucial for worship? Water? Bread? Organ? Piano? Who takes care of these things?
When do you see light in worship? What do these things mean to you?

Prayer
Lord God you sent the light of the world that no darkness may overcome it. You call us to let our light shine. Open our hearts to be led by you to places where we can serve you both in church and in our homes and communities. Amen.