Exodus 13 and ritual

The notes on this chapter made a point that comes up fairly often in the books of the law. God instituted rituals, feasts, and sacrifices in part as a tool for teaching the faith. Children would naturally ask, “Why do we do this?” or, perhaps more commonly, “Why do we have to do this?” This gives the parents the opportunity to share the faith. This pattern continues in the church in the sacraments and in the liturgy and also in family devotional practices like table and bedtime prayers. Although there is danger that ritual will lose its meaning (something we should work to prevent), it is a powerful teaching tool. And, it is not just for children. As adults, we should continue in the pattern of prayer and remembrance and remind ourselves of the significance of of what we are saying and doing. And, we shouldn’t hesitate to ask why something is done or said in a worship service as the answer is often more profound than it might seem.


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