Holy Things

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves bread in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also – Matthew 6:19-21.

Some religious traditions set great store on sacramentals. Sacramentals are “sacred signs, objects, or actions instituted by the [Catholic] Church to prepare people to receive grace and to sanctify everyday life” (https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/sacramentals-what-are-they-1171). These items include rosaries, crucifixes, medals of saints, and the like. 

A very dear friend of mine was Roman Catholic. While serving in the US Navy, he was on a ship that was cruising the Mediterranean. On a shore leave, he and several of his shipmates made the trip to the Vatican in Rome where they were able to attend a public audience with Pope Pius XII. As the Pope was being carried in on a sedan chair, my friend held up his rosary and the Pope quickly blessed it. That rosary was one of his most treasured possessions. It was interred with his ashes after his death.

In Bram Stoker’s Dracula (the book, not one of the numerous movie versions), there’s a scene where Jonathan Harker is given a crucifix on a rosary by a kindly old woman. Harker is a bit uncomfortable with the gift, feeling such things are somewhat idolatrous. But he accepts it as graciously as he can to ease the old woman’s distress. 

The UMC does not officially use or recognize the category of "sacramentals" in its formal doctrine. Instead, United Methodist theology focuses strictly on two sacraments ordained by Jesus Christ: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. But having said that, the UMC does practice and find deep spiritual value in various ritual actions and physical symbols, viewing them through its own distinct theological lens. Viewed through that lens, we find that “sacramentals” are just things. In and of themselves, they have no “sacredness,” no inherent “power,” no holiness. No holiness, that is, but what we may accord it.

I wear a cross on a neck chain. A cross, not a crucifix, because the empty cross symbolizes the Resurrection. To me, the Resurrection is more important than the method of execution. I was given another cross when I completed my Emmaus Encounter. I wear it sometimes, because on one side it shows the Chi-Rho symbol (☧) and on the other side the phrase “Christ is Counting on You.” 

I also have a wooden cross given to me by one of the vendors of the Farmer’s Market we held. I had purchased three as gifts. They are small, designed to be held in the palm of your hand. I hold it often during my private meditations to remind me, in the words of Rev. Dana, to “remember who you are and to Whom you belong.” 

But all these are just things. They have no “sacredness,” no inherent “power,” no holiness. And when I leave this world, they will be left behind. I won’t need them anymore. And I’ll be surrounded by, and part of, the heavenly host singing praise to the eternal holiness of God. 

That, I think, is a treasure to look forward to. 

Rejoice always,

Jerry Lipscomb