Rituals of Repetition

Society is filled with rituals of repetition. Consider a widespread one: when the national anthem is played, you stand, place your hand over your heart, and if you are wearing a hat, you take it off. Most likely you’ve never heard anyone reject the practice for being too formulaic or legalistic. The words of institution that Jesus first gave, that Paul repeated, and that are still said in church today may seem legalistic, but there is value in the repetition.