Oddities

After two days at Taize, I have noted four oddities, to me anyway. Firstly, at the first service sunday night, there was no welcome or explanation or introduction to what the service would be like. It was assumed you knew what to expect, and for those returing that was true. Plus many first time visitors are part of a monthly Taize service at home. It felt like he brothers entered to worship and you were just joining them. Learn as you go. The second oddity, is that to begn the service, everyone faces the Altar at the front. But for the reading of the scripture, everyone turns around from their kneeling or sitting position to face the reader at the back. Then after the reading in French and English, you turn again to face the front. Thirdly, every morning at the end of the prayers, the bread and win of the mass is shared, but it feels strange receiving the bread and wine with out going through the service itself. As well, the wine is offered but only for intinction. Fourthly, where so much is sung in different languages, even though the English words are there, I sometimes feel lost. I can now know the wisdom of the 23rd article, woship should be in the anguage understanded by the people. I m sure this is how people felt when mass was in Latin, a bit lost, but still caught up in the mystery and majesty of worship. The music is good, the fod is basic, the sun is hot but cool nights, and the French wine under the full moon is good.