Feasts, rituals and contemplation

A fascinating BBC documentary about Stonehenge’s bluestones produced new evidence that the stones were not just quarried in the Preseli Hills of west Wales, but originally formed a complete stone circle there dating back to 3,300 BC. Several hundred years later, the Neolithic people migrated and took their precious stones with them. The megaliths were re-erected on Salisbury Plain, creating a place where ancient people came “for feasts, rituals, and even contemplation.”

Archaeologists believe people would approach the site along an ancient pathway, forming a processional route to the stone circle. The image of those prehistoric people processing to Stonehenge brought me in mind of another ancient time, circa 1,050 BC in Jerusalem:

“Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the young women playing the tambourines.” (Psalm 68: 24–25)

Scholars think this psalm was written for the return of the Ark of the Covenant to the Temple. It is certainly a processional song, used during Jewish festivals. At the head of the vibrant procession with singing and music, the priests would have led the religious rituals in the Temple sanctuary, whilst the people contemplated the goodness of the Lord. I’m sure it would have been followed by feasting and celebrations.

There is something immensely powerful about a corporate act of worship. Whenever we climb the stairs to our church sanctuary, albeit in a less than processional manner, we are continuing a human tradition of coming together to recognise something far greater than ourselves. The Neolithic people may have worshipped gods of nature, the sky or thunder and fire, as their way of connecting with the divine. The Israelites worshipped Jehovah, and we praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I pray that it will not be long now before we can meet each other in person once again. One day soon, we will process to the sanctuary for the rituals of our Sunday service and Holy Communion. One day soon, we will spend a quiet moment in reflection of our God. And one day soon, we will even enjoy a faith lunch together again!

First written 20 February 2021