Firstborn Sons

Tonight, we celebrated the institution of the Eucharist in the Holy Thursday Mass. The first reading, from Exodus, recounted the original passover story where the Hebrews were led out of bondage in Egypt. They were told to select a spotless lamb, slaughter it and place some of its blood over their doorways. Their homes were thus marked and the firstborns of that household [both man and beast] would be spared when the angel of death came later to claim the lives of all firstborns. The blood of the spotless lamb informed the angel of death: Pass over. No lives to claim here.

Today, listening to a podcast by Michael Medved, I learned that the day before Passover is a day of fasting for observant Hebrew firstborn sons. This obligation is often fulfilled in a early gathering with other firstborns where they study some Scripture and then break their fast together. He said that because he's travelling today and not in community, he's obliged to fast from food or water until the Seder meal. There are many privileges conferred on the firstborns, and with that go many obligations.

I was glad to learn something new today. Tonight, I was glad to recall our ancient heritage of Communion that goes back to the firstborn Son of God, who was fulfilling the ancient tradition of his people.