The Speciality of the Jewish feast of Tabernacles

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Fourth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30*

*First Reading : Wis 2:1a, 12-22*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23*

*The Speciality of the Jewish feast of Tabernacles*

*1) Jewish feast of Tabernacles*

The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as *Sukkot*,

This is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in Judaism, alongside Passover and Shavuot. 

It is a joyous celebration that commemorates God's provision for the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. 

The feast also has an agricultural aspect, marking the end of the harvest season in Israel.

*2) Key aspects of the Feast*

*A)* God instructs the Israelites to dwell in  booths (sukkot) to remember how He sustained them in the desert.

*B)* During the feast, Jewish families build and dwell in a sukkah, a temporary shelter with a roof made of branches. 

This structure symbolizes dependence on God's protection rather than human security.

*C) The Four Species* – A key ritual involves waving the Lulav (palm branch), Hadass (myrtle), Aravah (willow), and Etrog (citron fruit) in all directions, signifying God’s presence everywhere.

*D)* Rejoicing Before the Lord – Sukkot is a time of great joy, as stated in Deuteronomy 16:14-15: "Be joyful at your festival... for the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work  your hands, and your joy will be complete."

*E)* The Water-Drawing Ceremony – In ancient times, water was drawn from the Pool of Siloam and poured on the altar as a prayer for rain, connecting the feast with divine blessings.

*3) Spiritual Reflections of this Feast*

*A) God’s Provision and Faithfulness* – 

Just as God sustained Israel in the wilderness, He continues to provide for His people today. 

The temporary nature of the sukkah reminds believers that earthly security is fragile, but God’s presence is eternal

*B)*Pilgrim Life and Spiritual Journey* 

Sukkot symbolizes the human journey through life, emphasizing that we are sojourners on earth (Hebrews 11:9-10). 

It calls for trust in God's guidance.

*C) Msessianic and Eschatological Hope*

Some Christians see in Sukkot a foreshadowing of the Messianic Age when God will dwell among His people (Zechariah 14:16-19). 

It resonates with the New Testament imagery of Jesus as the true dwelling place of God (John 1:14 - *The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us*

*D) Joy and Thanksgiving*

Sukkot is called the *Season of Our Joy.*

It is a time to rejoice in God's blessings, both spiritual and material, and to cultivate a heart of gratitude.

*E) Unity and Worship*

 

The waving of the Four Species represents the unity of all kinds of people before God. 

In Zechariah 14, Sukkot is portrayed as a universal festival where all nations will worship the Lord.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*