Oblation

[Audiendus]

Oblation

Something offered, or the act of offering it, especially to a deity or to charity. When capitalized, it refers to the offering of the bread and wine of the Eucharist in Christian worship.

[From Latin oblatus, past participle of offerre, to offer.]

The worshippers presented their oblations at the altar.

I like the way this word subliminally suggests "obligation".

[LukeJavan8]

It is also used in hierarchical denominations for
"lay" people who associate themselves to a religious
order or community. The OSB: Order of St. Benedict,
call these laity by the term "Oblates".

[Audiendus]

Oblate is also an adjective, relating to a sphere, meaning "flattened at the poles". The Earth, for example, is slightly oblate.

The opposite is prolate, stretched at the poles.

[MTC]

"Oblution" and "ablution" ring like sympathetic bells on the same frequency of sound and religious meaning. Ablution, of course, refers to ritual purification. I always think of Keats'
sonnet "Bright Star" with its fabulous line," Of pure ablution round earth's human shores..."

[LukeJavan8]

"Oblution" and "ablution" ring like sympathetic bells on the same frequency of sound and religious meaning. Ablution, of course, refers to ritual purification. I always think of Keats'
sonnet "Bright Star" with its fabulous line," Of pure ablution round earth's human shores..."

I had not thought of that line in years. Thanks for the
reminder.