First Reading:  Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14

Institution of Passover

In this narrative, Moses related the instructions for the Passover to the people. There were six elements to the instructions: the time of year (12:2-3a), the food of the meal (12:3b-6, 8), dressing the door with blood (12:7), dress and way to eat the meal (12:11), the meaning of the meal (12:12-13), and the injunction to eat the meal (12:14).

The celebration of Passover has evolved over the centuries. In 12:2, Moses noted Passover would be celebrated in the first month of the year (Abib which is March-April; during the Exile, Jews adopted the Babylonian name for the month, Nisan). Yet, the celebration of the Jewish New Year is Rosh Hashanah, celebrated in the early fall. We really don't know exactly why the celebration was changed. Reasons for the shift are varied and speculative.

The food and ritual of the meal revolved around the lamb. The lamb was to be the choice of a family's flock and prepared as a community event. The instructions for preparation and the ritual dressing of the doorpost echoed a type of sacrifice. (Some biblical scholars speculate this celebration predated the Passover and was, indeed, a sacrifice celebration that ended in a meal of communion with God.) The blood of the lamb (representing its life) was placed on the door as a sign meant to defend against evil (specifically death). In other words, the lamb gave his life to save those inside the home. In the time of Jesus, the lambs for Jerusalem were prepared at the Temple. After the destruction of David's City in 70 A.D., the lamb was replaced with a shank born to remind Jews of their loss. And the other food of the meal took on greater significance.

By the time Jesus celebrated the Passover, the dress and eating arrangement of the meal had changed. The dress was everyday attire and the eating arrangement was the Greek fashion of reclining. Even today, the Passover meal is celebrated with the clothing and eating style that matches the popular culture.

The meaning of and injunction for the meal has not changed, however. Passover was a memorial meal that celebrated liberation from Egyptian slavery. As such, it proclaimed the birth of the Israelite nation. This was the meal remembered how God created his people! So, as long a Jews live on the earth, Passover will be celebrated, just as they have for the past three millennia.

How has your devotions changed? How have you maintained the spirit of those devotions? How do you honor God's people?