This month you will be seeing some new vestments during worship. “Vestments” refers to robes or outer garments used in a ceremony. In Christian worship there are many different ones that can be worn, especially by clergy. Each has its own symbolism. The alb, for instance, is the most commonly worn one. It is a white robe, referencing the great multitude robed in white before the throne and the lamb in Revelation 7:9. All baptized Christians are able to wear an alb, as it symbolizes being forgiven in baptism. Another basic vestment that I sometimes wear is cassock. It is a black robe that can be worn by those assisting in worship, whether lay or ordained. Black represents teaching, and so is particularly appropriate for those who have speaking roles in worship.
The Symbolism of the Stole
Stoles are another common vestment. Stoles are long fabric bands. They are typically in the color of the liturgical season. Stoles represent a yoke, like that put on an ox. They represent being bound to the Word of God. There are different types of stoles for different ministries. For example, a deacon stole goes over the left shoulder, as deacons are Ministers of Word and Service, their hands bound to follow the Word of God in serving the needs of others. Our confirmands this month, meanwhile, will receive confirmation stoles. This is a newer tradition, recognizing that in affirming their baptism that are committing themselves to following Christ in their lives. These stoles are red, recognizing the leading of the Holy Spirit in being a disciple of Christ. Confirmation stoles go around the neck like pastor stoles do, but are shorter. The pastor stole represents that in speaking in worship, the pastor is bound to follow God’s Word rather than their own thoughts. This month I will begin wearing a new green stole. It has a design inspired by the double helix of DNA. The green seasons of the church year are about following Christ in our daily lives, and so I am moved by the symbolism of Christ’s guidance in our lives coming to us so closely and intimately that it becomes part of even our DNA.
The Meaning of the Chasuble
One further vestment that is common in Lutheran churches but not at St. Matthew is a chasuble. It is a robe that goes on top of the other robes and stole, and is used during the Eucharist. It is an optional addition meant to remind us of the presence of the crucified Christ. A chasuble is a seamless garment, symbolizing the seamless tunic taken from Jesus when he was crucified (John 19:23). I have been in congregations that always used chasubles during communion, and others that never did. I find them to be a worthwhile occasional reminder that it is not just the risen Christ who comes to us but rather the crucified and risen Christ who is present to us and marks us with the cross forever. With that in mind, I will be using a red chasuble on Oct. 26. There are not many days in the church year that use red. It is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, including the Holy Spirit at work in the church and in the lives of martyrs. Most years we use red only for Pentecost and Reformation Day. The use of a chasuble on these days can help us recognize that it is through the Holy Spirit that we are claimed by the crucified Christ and justified before God the Father.
Keep an eye out for these garments this month, along with all of the others that we use throughout the year.
May they be reminders to us of the God who comes to us and brings us to eternal life.