April 2, 2015
Maundy Thursday

“When it was evening Jesus came with the Twelve. As as they were at table eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me…” They began to be sorrowful, and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve.” And as they were eating, he took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” Mark 14:18-24

“Among all the memorable events of Christ’s life, the most worthy of remembrance is that last banquet, the most sacred supper. Here not only the Paschal lamb was presented to be eaten but also the immaculate Lamb, who takes away the sins fo the world… In this banquet the marvelous sweetness of Christ’s goodness shone forth when He dined at the same table and on the same plates with those poor disciples and the traitor Judas. The marvelous example of his humility shone forth when, girt with a towel, the King of Glory diligently washed the feet of the fishermen and even of his betrayer. Oh how marvelous are all these things, how full of sweetness, but only for that soul who, having been called to so distinguished a banquet, runs with all the ardor of its spirit so that it may cry out with David:

“As the stag longs for the springs of water,
so my soul longs for You, O G*d.”

Bonaventure (1221 – 1274) “The Tree of Life”

On the night of the celebration of Maundy Thursday, not only do we remember the last supper, but we remember the commandment Christ gave to his disciples to “love one another”. It was not a holy suggestion – it was a command:

“I give you a new commandment – to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples – if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

This is one of the reasons we need Maundy Thursday – we need to be reminded that we are to love one another because we so often fail at love. And I am not talking now about love of a spouse or “Eros” love, I am talking about “Philia” love or love of brother and sister, and “Agape” love, love of G*d. It is so important in the Kingdom of G*d that Jesus needed to command that we love one another. In this season of Easter coming up, when you peer upon the cross on Good Friday, and then marvel at the empty tomb of Easter Sunday, remember to love one another. As Psalm 42:1 says, “As the stag longs for the springs of water, so my soul longs for you, O G*d”, it is in our longing for G*d that drives our love for one another. Love of G*d, love modeled by Jesus, forms our need for love, and our need to be messengers of love. G*d sent Jesus to do just that, to show us what is this inexpressible act of Love, so that we will then love each other.

Pastor Dave