In this session, we cover the central redemptive event of the Hebrew Bible - the Exodus from Egypt - and God's concern that this once-for-all event would be permanently etched in Israel's memory through Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the ransoming of the first-born, and Songs of Praise.
These "sacraments" were God's means to keep the liberating event in public memory. This memory was embodied in liturgical actions. Also, children participated in these events. They were not shielded from the tough struggle and high cost of freedom.
God's people are people of memory. They are not stuck in the past, but allow the past to propel them forward into a hopeful future. These events form their identity and shape their lives - much like baptism and Eucharist for the church. "This do in remembrance of me" does not spring up out of nowhere!
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Through touch we receive sacraments and by touching others we become sacraments of God to others. The limitation of touch is its greatest strength. In order to physically touch others we must be in their immediate presence. Touch connects us with others - not as abstractions - but as "neighbors" God has placed in our lives.
Sacred words are a means of grace, a sacrament of Christ, a tool of the Spirit. Attentive listening with “ears that hear” is our way to appropriate these words, receive the sacrament, and be shaped by the Spirit. Listening is not passive or non-participatory. It is a spiritual discipline. We do not simply listen; we listen worshipfully!
