August 2026

 

‘Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.’

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St. Saviour’s has recently acquired an elegant green dalmatic  ̶  the vestment of the deacon  ̶  to match the priest’s chasuble and the altar frontal. Putting it on for its first wearing following its blessing made me think of Jesus’ words about the glory of nature compared with the pomposity of King Solomon’s lavish court.

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Why, indeed, do we wear sumptuous clothing when celebrating Mass? Is not the Mass equally valid when offered by a priest in casual clothes on the battlefield, in a Scout camp, or in a private house? The answer is inevitably ‘yes’, but to have beautiful churches, colourful vestments, and fine music enhances not only the beauty but also the dignity of the worship of God. But there is more  ̶  in its worship, the church draws us into faith, into that spiritual experience of God so beautifully described by a mediaeval English mystic as ‘The Cloud of Unknowing’.

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Those of us privileged to wear these beautiful garments must, however, remember that the mediaeval observation cucullus non facit monachum (the cowl does not make the monk) applies to us. Vestments exist for the greater glory of God, to remind their wearers of their calling as bishops, priests, and deacons rather than being worn as their personal adornments. They are an outward and visible sign of the glory of God revealed in the sacraments of our holy mother, the church.

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Deacon Douglas Macmillan

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The Collect

 

Almighty God,

who called your Church to bear witness

that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:

help us to proclaim the good news of your love,

that all who hear it may be drawn to you;

through him who was lifted up on the cross,

and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God now and forever. Amen.