This Sunday we will have learned ASL signs to the whole section of Mark 12: 29-31. I know we are too English to be doing the syntax of ASL correctly. We are leaving out words that an ASL communicator would need to understand the meaning. But the gift of having bodily ways to say certain words is helping us learn the scripture with our hearts, muscles, bones and bodies.
I particularly like the sign for “great.” Palms out, the hands bounce forward twice as if gently pushing. Then, palms out, the hands bounce once more, a little higher, deeper and longer. There’s a certain rhythm to the sign (short-short-long…..short-short-long….). There is excitement in the sign as well; and it is large, as if we are truly honoring greatness.
For liturgical North American pew worshipers, this is one baby step closer to worshiping with our bodies as well as our eyes, ears and voices. One step closer to loving God with heart, soul, mind and strength. Any little bit helps.
jnkuebler says
It was beautiful watching the congregation sign together–almost like a dance of a prayer.