Thursday April 14, 2022

Today is Maundy Thursday, April 14 and this week is Holy Week. Each day we journey closer to the cross with Jesus.

As I enter this time of prayer, I draw near to the presence of God. I breathe slowly and deeply and focus my whole being on the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy and gracious God, I seek you in these moments of silence. I listen for the particular message you have for me today. Speak to me through the power of your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I cry out to the God of mercy and compassion. I seek him with the words of Psalm 41.

Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. But may you have mercy on me, Lord; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Psalm 41:9-12

Pause and Pray

Everyday during Holy Week we read scripture from the happenings of that same day of Jesus’ last week on earth. The eventful week is coming to a climax and this night is the final gathering Jesus has with his disciples. He sends Peter and John to make preparations for the disciples to eat the Passover meal together. They go to find a large furnished upper room and diligently prepare the traditional food. When the twelve arrive, in a loving gesture, Jesus takes the posture of a servant and washes the disciples’ feet. All the disciples’ grimy feet are cleansed, including Judas Iscariot who is looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus to the religious authorities for financial gain. Jesus gives his followers a “mandate” or command for them to follow after he is gone. The word “maundy” is Latin for mandate (mandatum) and that is why we call today Maundy Thursday. Christ’s mandate is for his followers to love one another.

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.” Luke 22:14-21

The final hour has arrived. It is the night before Jesus gave himself up for me and for the world. I gather alongside the disciples seated at the table in the upper room to share in the Passover meal. I hear the eagerness in Jesus’ voice. He knows this is our last time together. He knows what lies before him. He knows he will suffer. He takes the loaf of bread in his hands, thanks God for the gift and breaks it – simultaneously describing how his body will be broken for me. He takes the cup in his hands and reveals this new covenant with me and all people made by the shedding of his blood on the cross. A blood covenant. Jesus’ blood poured out for me to cover my sins, remove the stain of original sin and cleanse my sorrowful soul. I am counted “not guilty” and made pure and white at the cross.

Ask: How do I experience Jesus’ sacrifice for me in the act of Holy Communion? How do I recognize his body broken for me and his blood poured out for me?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, I am profoundly grateful to be a recipient of the new covenant sealed with the shedding of your blood for me upon the cross of Calvary. I remember you at the altar of grace as I eat holy bread and drink the sacred juice of the vine. Your sacrifice and suffering set me free from sin and death and made a way for me to be restored. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.” Luke 22:14-21

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Each day we come closer to the cross and imminent suffering of Christ. I endeavor to comprehend what God wants to teach me through the events of Holy Week. I consider which words speak to me from the account of the Last Supper. I reflect upon the meaning of Holy Communion and how I experience it personally. How do I come to the Lord’s Table to eat the bread and drink from the cup? How has it transformed my heart and life? I have experienced the presence of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion and I long to experience him more and more. God wants to speak to my soul as I share in Holy Communion.

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, I invite you to dine with me at the table of my soul. Be present in the bread and cup of your sacrifice and remind me of the new covenant made through the shedding of your blood for me on Calvary’s tree. Let me experience the outpouring of your grace through the power of your Holy Spirit in the sacrament you instituted this night long ago. Amen.

My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:33-34

As I leave this time of prayer, I go to fulfill Christ’s mandate to love others and humbly serve them in his name.

Amen