Wearing Red

I was ordained a priest on the Feast of St Thomas, Apostle, which falls on December 21 each year. Because St Thomas was not only an apostle but also a martyr, the liturgical color of the day is red.

So, the first stole and chasuble I wore upon being ordained a priest were red ones. My ordination stole was made by my cousin in red raw silk. On the underside, it has Clan Elliott tartan and some tatting made by my Grandmother Dove Elliott. The kissing cross at the nape is also Elliott tartan. I love wearing that stole each time I have occasion to do so.

This Sunday, May 19, is the Day of Pentecost. On that day, something resembling tongues or flames of fire appeared over the heads of those 120 folks who were staying together in Jerusalem awaiting the Spirit's arrival. It's on account of those red and orange tongues of fire that red is the liturgical color of Pentecost as well as for the feasts of martyrs and the passion of Holy Week.

You're invited to wear all the red you can muster to services on Sunday. When you put on red clothes and accessories, remember that you are also clothed in the Holy Spirit whose arrival in power and to stay among the followers of Jesus we celebrate on Pentecost.

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