As Jesus prepares for his death, his death which he knows is coming, his death which he knows is the fulfilling of scripture, his death which he knows will seal the covenant of God’s unending bond with us as his beloved, Jesus spends his last evening with those he loves. Over the course of the evening, Jesus establishes through his words and actions traditions which are the cornerstone of our faith: the Holy Eucharist and the washing of feet. These two acts remind us that like the disciples, we, are continuously welcomed into relationship with Jesus and God. Jesus washes Peter and Judas’ feet, with the full knowledge that Peter will deny him and Judas will betray him. Jesus’ acts show us that everyone has a place at God’s table, that God’s love knows no bounds, that God’s love is more than we can ever comprehend.
As we enter Maundy Thursday we participate in our last Eucharist and sit watch with the reserve sacrament. Let the celebration of today’s Eucharist remind us that, we can go confidently into the world and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, our Savior, by fulfilling his commandment: “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Exodus 12:1-14
Psalm 116:1,10-17
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-17,31-35
