I vividly recall sprinkling the congregation with water from a cedar branch. A couple and their four-year-old daughter were there for the first time. As the water fell on the people as part of the ritual of Thanksgiving for Baptism, the little girl said, “I didn’t get any!” Her delight as the branch was dipped again and she was sprinkled was a blessing for everyone that morning. We were all drawn into God’s presence.
The ritual of walking between the divided animal carcasses was a respected way to seal a deal in Bible times. It is interesting that only God’s sign of smoke and flame passed, meaning that fulfilling the covenant was God’s doing alone.
Our rituals today do not involve livestock, but they continue to be meaningful ways to a heartfelt connection with God’s divine presence. The ritual of singing “Kyrie eleison” reminds us of God’s faithfulness and connects us with every person who has cried, “Lord have mercy on me.” Praying together as community, being marked with oil or ashes, and participating in the seasons of the church year are rituals which nurture our faith and reveal God to our weary hearts.
God of all, as you brought forth heirs for Abraham, mold us and bring us forth as inheritors of your kingdom. Amen. —