Introduction: The Power and Purpose of Blessings in Anglican Worship
As an Anglican priest within a convergence-oriented tradition, I’ve found that the practice of blessing carries deep spiritual and pastoral significance, distinct from, yet connected to, the Eucharist. When I lived in Europe and attended Roman Catholic services, I would approach the altar with my arms crossed over my chest, receiving a blessing instead of the Eucharist. This simple act provided profound insight into the relationship between blessings and sacramental participation, highlighting the importance of maintaining distinctions within our liturgical life.
For members of Missio Mosaic—a community that embraces the convergence of evangelical, charismatic, and sacramental streams within Anglicanism—the role of blessing is a sacred responsibility. In a world increasingly distanced from spiritual realities, we must reclaim the priestly role of offering blessings while remaining anchored in the Eucharistic center of Christian worship.
Blessing vs. Eucharist: Understanding the Distinction
The convergence model emphasizes the blending of evangelical, charismatic, and liturgical traditions, all of which speak to the power of blessings. Blessings are not merely empty gestures; they invoke real grace, but they are distinct from the Eucharist. The Eucharist, as the sacramental participation in the body and blood of Christ, is the central act of Christian worship and reserved for those in good standing within the Church. Blessings, on the other hand, are acts of grace that can be extended to anyone—whether baptized or not, sinner or saint.
In convergence-oriented Anglicanism, we must hold these two acts in proper tension. Blessings provide spiritual encouragement and grace but do not substitute for the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the full participation in Christ’s sacrificial love, and it demands a state of readiness and holiness. For those not in such a state, the blessing serves as a reminder of God’s grace and a call toward repentance and eventual Eucharistic participation.
The Priest’s Role: Offering Blessings with Pastoral Care and Discernment
As priests, we are tasked with offering blessings as acts of grace and mercy, especially to those who approach the altar but are not in full communion with the Church. In my own experience, I frequently bless people who come to the altar with arms crossed, signaling they are not ready to receive the Eucharist. These blessings are more than perfunctory gestures; they are moments of real spiritual intercession.
However, we must be mindful of the pastoral tension here. Blessings are acts of grace, but they are not affirmations of an unrepentant lifestyle. The challenge, particularly in a convergence-oriented tradition like ours, is to offer blessings generously while maintaining a firm theological stance on the sanctity of the Eucharist. As Pope Francis has recently remarked, blessings do not equate to affirming a person’s sinful practices. This is a critical distinction that convergence-minded priests must uphold.
The act of blessing, while significant, is a pastoral bridge leading to the Eucharist and deeper participation in Christ’s life. Our calling as priests is not only to offer blessings but also to guide people toward confession and spiritual transformation, ensuring that they can one day fully participate in the Eucharist.
The Convergence Context: Blessings as Steps Toward Eucharistic Communion
The convergence model invites us to weave together the evangelical emphasis on personal transformation, the charismatic focus on the work of the Spirit, and the sacramental life of the Church. Blessings, in this context, act as a pastoral tool, invoking God’s presence in the life of the individual and drawing them toward deeper communion with Christ. However, this convergence must always point to the Eucharist as the ultimate act of worship.
In the Old Testament, we see priests like Aaron called to bless the people (Numbers 6:24-26). These blessings were not merely symbolic; they carried real spiritual significance, imparting peace and favor from God. In the New Testament, blessings continued to be a part of apostolic ministry, as Paul frequently blessed the early churches. Yet, even in these cases, blessings were distinct from the sacramental actions of baptism and the Eucharist.
In convergence-oriented Anglicanism, we hold to this biblical precedent, understanding that blessings are integral to the Christian life but ultimately serve as a preparation for full sacramental participation. The Eucharist remains the center of our worship, and blessings, though real, point us toward that central act of communion with Christ.
Guarding the Eucharist: Pastoral Discernment and Responsibility
The role of the priest in blessing and Eucharistic administration requires careful discernment. Not everyone who comes to the altar should receive the Eucharist. Anglican tradition, echoing the Roman Catholic teaching on venial and mortal sins, reminds us that some sins—especially those unconfessed and public—can serve as barriers to full communion. It is in these moments that the priest’s responsibility is most acute.
While we must bless generously, we must also guard the Eucharist carefully. The 1662 Book of Common Prayer instructs that those in “grave and open sin without repentance” should refrain from Eucharistic participation. This practice, rooted in both pastoral care and theological conviction, ensures that the Eucharist remains a sacred act for those prepared to receive it worthily. Denying someone the Eucharist, while offering a blessing, serves as both a pastoral gesture and a call to repentance.
As priests within the convergence model, we must be bold in this calling. Blessings are part of our pastoral care, but they are not substitutes for the sacramental life of the Church. We must guide those we bless toward confession, repentance, and ultimately full participation in the Eucharist.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Priestly Role in Convergence-Oriented Anglicanism
In a convergence-oriented Anglican context, the role of blessing must be reclaimed as a distinct and meaningful act of grace. Blessings are real, powerful, and transformative, but they are also preparatory. They point toward the deeper participation in the Eucharist, which is the culmination of Christian worship.
As priests, our role is not only to bless but also to shepherd people toward full communion with Christ. This means leading them to confession, repentance, and eventually to the Eucharist, where they can fully participate in the life and grace of Christ. In a world where spiritual confusion abounds, we must offer blessings generously, but we must do so with theological clarity and pastoral conviction.
The Eucharist remains central to our faith, and it is our responsibility to guard its sanctity while extending grace through blessings. As we bless, let us do so with the hope and expectation that those we bless will one day join us in full Eucharistic communion.
Key Points to Highlight for Missio Mosaic Members:
Blessings carry real spiritual significance but are distinct from the Eucharist.
Priests must offer blessings with discernment, leading people toward confession and full Eucharistic participation.
The Eucharist is central to Christian worship, and blessings serve as pastoral acts that guide people toward this sacrament.
Convergence-oriented Anglicanism weaves together the evangelical, charismatic, and sacramental traditions, with blessings playing a key role in pastoral care.
—Joshua R. Farris, Rev. and Canon in Missio Mosaic, Evangelical Episcopal Communion with the Church of Tanzania. Author of The Creation of Self.
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