1 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts. Leviticus 23:1-2
We as Masons understand teaching by types, it is mentioned at our first introduction to the fraternity. The “appointed feasts of the LORD” are not only to celebrate an historical event in Israel’s past but are also a “type” to teach us of the greater event to come. While our Jewish bothers still celebrate the appointed feasts for the reasons given in the Old Testament, Christian theology sees some of them as completed types or Antitypes. The Passover was the slaying of the Lamb of God. The Festival of First Fruits, which is celebrated three days later, is prophetic of the resurrection of the Messiah. Christians now celebrate this day as Easter as the Messiah Jesus was the first to rise from the dead. The Feast of Weeks which is fifty days later corresponds to Pentecost (a Greek word for fifty) when the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus and celebrates the beginning of the Christian Church. This leaves three more “appointed feasts” to be fulfilled. It is interesting to think of what they may be a “type of”. This is not meant to be a thorough study of the Religious Festivals but to get us thinking about the interconnected mysteries and wondrous things contained in the Word of God.
Thank you, LORD, for appointing holy convocations and feasts to remind us throughout the year of your eternal plan and the covenant with your children. May it resonate in our hearts and minds as we celebrate. Amen.
Jack A. Holloway
I. Associate Grand Chaplain