Leviticus 16:31-34 "It is a sabbath of complete rest to you, and you shall deny yourself..."

“It is a sabbath of complete rest to you, and you shall deny yourselves; it is a statute forever. The priest who is anointed and consecrated as priest in his father’s place shall make atonement, wearing the linen vestments, the holy vestments. He shall make atonement for the sanctuary, and he shall make atonement for the tent of meeting and for the altar, and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the people of Israel once in the year for all their sins” (Leviticus 16:31-34).

Comment:

This passage completes an extensive description of the rituals and practices required for an annual Day of Atonement, which is known today as Yom Kippur. It is a kind of annual sabbath, similar in metaphysical purpose to the weekly sabbath that represents the seventh day of creation. Observing and honoring the rhythm of life is an important concept throughout Hebrew Scripture. “To everything there is a season.” It is important for our spiritual purpose that we take time to reflect on each year, to observe without judgment where we have strayed from our purpose, and to “make atonement”—to right wrongs and resolve to make new choices going forward. Today we may not observe the details of the rituals—animal sacrifice, the designation of a “scapegoat” to take on the sins of the people—but there is still a life rhythm that invites us to pause, take stock and resolve to make new choices.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed