Easter V- Rogation Sunday- John 16:23-33

On traditional Anglican calendars, the common name for the Fifth Sunday after Easter is Rogation Sunday. The term "rogation" comes from the Latin verb rogo, rogare. This is one Latin term for asking or praying. It is used in the Latin version of John 16:26, "that I will pray" (rogabo). Rogation Days go back to the early centuries of the Italian church, and this Sunday and following week days became times to emphasize prayer, especially Christian prayers for good crops.

The traditional Gospel appointed for this Sunday (John 16:23-33) is also appropriate for the Sunday before the Ascension. The theme is in the words, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (16:33b). This bold claim has sometimes been misunderstood as an automatic guarantee of desired results. Using Christ's name in Christian prayer is an ancient and laudable practice, but the verse is not a simple liturgical formula. Christian prayer must never be seen as some sort of magical manipulation of divine power. Rather, we truly pray in Christ's name when we approach the Father in a Christlike attitude. This is the attitude of Christ in Gethsemane: "nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt" (Mark 14:36b). What the Father gives us is through our union with Christ and in accordance with His great purposes of redemption. When we pray with a humble, faithful, and spiritual attitude, God does greater things for us than we limited human beings can imagine or comprehend.

In sixteenth-century England, the Rogation Days continued to emphasize prayers for agriculture. Although many modern people are far removed from the agricultural cycle of life, we should be aware of and pray for the natural cycle that provides food and sustains earthly life. In addition, as we approach the commemoration of Christ's Ascension, it is good to have a heightened awareness of Christ as our heavenly Intercessor and Mediator. All our prayers should be offered in Christ's name, in His spirit, and for His purposes.

Easter V, Rogation Sunday- John 16:23-33

 Historically, the Fifth Sunday after Easter has been called Rogation Sunday, and the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week have also been known as Rogation Days. The term "rogation" comes from the Latin verb rogo, rogare. This is one Latin term for praying and is used in the Latin version of John 16:26, "that I will pray" (rogabo). Rogation Days date back to sixth-century Rome where Christian prayers for crops were appointed to replace certain pagan customs. Early processional litanies were associated with this observance, and other prayers of supplication were included during times of disaster.

The traditional Gospel appointed for this Sunday (John 16:23-33) is one of several from the Farewell Discourses, and it is especially appropriate for the Sunday before the Ascension. The theme is in the words, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (16:33b). This is a bold claim and has been misunderstood by some. Using Christ's name in Christian prayer is an ancient and laudable practice, but the real meaning goes beyond certain liturgical formulae. We truly pray in Christ's name when we approach the Father in Christlike humility. Such prayer includes the attitude of Christ in Gethsemane: nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt (Mark 14:36b). What the Father gives us is through our participation in Christ and in accord with His great purposes of redemption. When we pray in that spirit, God is doing greater things for us than we in our human limitations can comprehend.

At the time of the 16th-century English Reformation, practices were simplified, but the Rogation Days continued as occasions for the Litany and prayers for agriculture. Although many modern people are far removed from the agricultural way of life, it is good for us to continue to be aware of and pray for the natural cycle that sustains earthly life.  Furthermore, as we approach Ascension Day, it is appropriate that we be more aware of Christ as our heavenly Intercessor; it is in His name and spirit that we are to offer up all our prayers.

January 1- Octave of the Nativity- Luke 2:21

 Over the centuries, Christians have been uncomfortable with the celebrations of the new year on the first of January.  In order to avoid pagan associations, January 1 was not observed as New Year's Day in many parts of Europe between the fall of Rome and early modern times. On church calendars, this date has been associated with several liturgical observances over time. When Christ's Birth started being commemorated on 25 December, this eighth day of Christmas marked the end of Christmas week. There seems to have been an ancient Roman custom of emphasizing the role of Mary on this day, and in other parts of the Church, the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus were commemorated on this day. Since the 1970s, most Christians have focused on the Holy Name of Jesus. These associations are related to Luke 2:21 where we read. "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb."

Whatever Christian tradition we emphasize, the primary importance of the first of January is not some neo-pagan indulgence; it is a day to continue thinking about the Incarnation of the eternal divine Word as Mary's Son Jesus. This child born in Bethlehem is the Lord Himself, come to save His people. God's plan for human salvation is what gives this day and every day their true significance. So let us begin the New Year by praising God and giving thanks for the salvation that has come in the Christ Child!

Easter V- Rogation- John 16

 Among Anglicans, the common name for the Fifth Sunday after Easter is Rogation Sunday, and the Monday, Tuesday. and Wednesday of the following week have long been known as Rogation Days. The term "rogation" comes from one Latin term for asking or praying. This word is used in the Latin version of John 16:26, "that I will pray" (rogabo). Originally, Rogation Days were times of Christian prayers for crops that replaced certain pagan customs. Later, litanies and other prayers of supplication were added.

The traditional Gospel appointed for this Sunday (John 16:23-33) continues a series of selections from the Farewell Discourses, and it is especially appropriate for the Sunday before the Ascension. The theme is in the words, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (16:23b). This is a strong affirmation that has sometimes been misunderstood. Using Christ's name in prayer is an ancient and laudable Christian practice, but it must not be superficial. Christian prayer must not be distorted into some sort of magical manipulation. Rather, we truly pray in Christ's name when we approach the Father in a Christlike attitude. This is the attitude of Christ in Gethsemene: "Nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt" (Mark 14:36b). The heavenly Father blesses us through our unity with Jesus Christ, and our prayers should always be in accord with His great purposes of redemption. When we pray with such a spiritual attitude, God does greater things for us than we limited human beings can imagine or comprehend.