1. Chapter 3 - Rituals Distinguishing the Practical versus the Symbolic
Sometimes they can be intertwined: Walking
in China & the Spirit world
Rituals are not supposed to be routine: Grace
Rituals can have meaning at many levels: a blink is
a routine versus a wink which is a ritual
Watch “Jewish home ritual items”
Watch “The Joy Of Sumer-The Sacred Marriage
Rite”

2. Read last paragraph on page 40
Characteristics of Rituals:
Movement and Gestures with Meaning
Repeated Actions: annual family picnic
Symbolic Celebrations: Olympic Games
Important Events: Graduations
Significant Words: “God bless you”
Linkages to the Past: St. Patrick’s Day
Communal Actions: New Year’s Eve

3. People make rituals happen by participation
not by observation
Review table on lower right corner of page 47
Each of the seven sacraments in the Catholic
church is celebrated in a ritual
Read together “The Roots of Ritual in
Worship” on page 48
“Sacrifice” comes from the Latin “to make
holy”

4. Anthropologists tells us that ancient peoples always gave part of every kill to the gods as an offering for future good luck
Native Americans used the peace pipe as a ritual to make an agreement holy: one of the basic misunderstandings between white settlers and the Indians
Examples of Rituals in video format:
Watch “Ritual of Religious Worship”
Watch “The Dragon Boat Festival”

5. Read together “Ritual Worship or Magic” on page 49
Watch “Ritual and Worship at Knossos
(Minoan Bronze Age)”
Watch “The Haj”
Read together “Ritual Worship or Magic” on page 49
Read together “Christianity and Rituals” on pages 50 – 51
Watch “A Celtic Prayer”
“Prayer” is worshiping in word, in act & in silence

6. Silence draws us inward
A time and a place for prayer are essential to a life of love
People need not just physical space but also “inner space” – the space within a person’s consciousness that makes room for God. Such inner space can be cultivated by allowing SILENCE into one’s life.
Silence draws us inward

7. Listening does not mean we necessarily head God’s voice but rather that we are quiet, receptive, and able to reflect such that we can sense how God is present with us.
Watch “Meditation In The Bible - Christian Meditation”
Meditation is defined as “a devotional exercise of or leading to contemplation”

8. Watch “Ignatian Contemplation”
Contemplation is defined as “spiritual meditation, especially in Christian religious practice, concentration of the mind and soul upon God”
Watch “Ignatian Contemplation”
Read together “Paths to Intimacy with God” beginning on the top of page 61
STOP