We are all quite familiar with the rhythms of seasonal fashion from creative layering of cottons and wools to breezy linens and loose silhouettes. Trends come and go, but the reality of layering for cold weather or
wearing a swimsuit for water activities is constant.
In the Catholic Church, we have our own consistency, seasons for feasting and those for fasting. Seasons of preparation, seasons of celebration. We are made for rhythms!
When we align our outfits with the rhythms of the Liturgical Calendar—we are more inclined to tune
in with the prayer of the Church. Putting on the colors of the liturgical season is a tangible reminder
throughout the day of what we are contemplating in that season of the Church: from putting on violet hues as we wander the desert with Israelites during the Exodus or when we journey to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph. It is just as powerful when we cloak ourselves with vibrant reds as we stand in awe of Pentecost with the apostles or as we are struck with wonder at martyrdom of St. Stephen.
To cover myself with reminders of the season, keeps my body attuned to my heart and the Creator’s
call. He continues to call out to us in each liturgical season and yet we are often unaware of His beckoning as we are whirling in the daily to-do’s. The Liturgical Calendar has been given to us as a gift from Christ to remind us we are made for communion.
Thomas Merton in his work, Seasons of Celebration, articulates the idea of the Liturgical Year as a “ring” to the Church as Bride stating:
“Dom Odo Casel compared the liturgical year to a ring which the Church, the virgin bride of Christ triumphantly displays as the sign of her union with the incarnate Word. This holy ring is the gift of Christ to His Church as a pledge of His love and of His fidelity to His promises. The "cycle" or "circle" of the liturgy, which eternally returns to its beginning, is a symbol of the unity of God who is eternally the same yet ever new. More than that, however, the liturgical "ring" feasts is a symbol of that first "cycle" of actions by which Christ redeemed the world—the "ring" created by His descent into time, His life, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven restoring all things, in Himself, to the Father.”
We are made to be caught up in the rhythms of the Liturgical Year as this great dance with Christ, a dynamic conversation as between bride and groom. Choosing an outfit based on a saint’s feast day or the Liturgical season is a way to put on a posture of prayer, to be aware of the grace offered to us that day, to join in the dance of Christ and His Church.
See some of our past articles on how to dress liturgically for different seasons and feast days to get started!
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