Oblation

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Audiendus
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Oblation

Postby Audiendus » Sun Mar 13, 2011 6:20 pm

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
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Postby LukeJavan8 » Sun Mar 13, 2011 9:38 pm

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".
-----please, draw me a sheep-----

Audiendus
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oblate

Postby Audiendus » Tue Mar 15, 2011 9:16 am

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
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Does that ring a bell?

Postby MTC » Tue Mar 15, 2011 11:40 am

"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
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Posts: 4423
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:16 pm
Location: Land of the Flat Water

Re: Does that ring a bell?

Postby LukeJavan8 » Tue Mar 15, 2011 11:54 am

"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.
-----please, draw me a sheep-----


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