Rogation Days: "Beating the Bounds"

Rogation Days, typically observed in the U.S. during the three days before the feast of
Ascension, are an expression of our human awareness of our need for God. Observed
since the end of the 5th century, Rogation Days generally include a procession, prayers
and intercession (Litany of Saints). Traditionally, prayers are offered to the Lord for the
needs of all people, especially for the productivity of the earth and for human labor, and
to give God public thanks.

One of the ancient practices associated with Rogation Days, but that is no longer widely
practiced in the U.S. church, is that of "beating the bounds." It may be worth adapting
for current days. As practiced in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, a more or less
organized procession leaves the parish church and makes a tour of the extremities of the
parish, impressing on the youngsters and new-comers the boundary posts and natural
landmarks that defines the local church to which they are expected to show loyalty and
responsibility.

Beating the Bounds is a walk of companionship as stories are informally shared about
parishioners past and present and their relationship with each other and with the land.
It is a walk with a purpose, pausing at particular points to pray and invoke God’s blessing.

Going for a walk with someone is still an excellent way to get into deep conversation about
things that really matter. Jesus demonstrated this for us on many occasions: he invites
people to follow him (John 1:35-42), he wanders with his disciples through grain fields
eating and conversing as they go (Mark 2 v. 23–28), he walks with them because he had
no where to lay his head (Luke 9:57–62), and as a stranger he seeks companionship on the
journey (Luke 24:13-27). Like Beating the Bounds, walks with Jesus are for companionship
and are purposeful.

Beating the Bounds may awaken a sense of wonder, awe of God and God’s creation, and a
heightened concern as to what the future holds. This is our place, but we are also recognizing
that it is God’s, too – He loves and cares for it. It is right that we take our time to walk around
it with God, asking for God’s blessing on the day to day activities involved in living on and
working this land, God’s good earth.

Beating the Bounds can bind together generations and the various community networks.
All can benefit from the shared recognition of the particularities of this place, its physical
features, its history, its current activities and its characters. All can benefit by making the
connections among God, God’s people, God’s earth. Beat the Bounds.