MAUNDY THURSDAY
April 6, 2023
“Blessed, Broken, and Poured Out”
Holy Week has begun, and the enthusiasm and excitement that accompanied Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, has begun to fade a little from our thoughts. In our worship practices and general focus, it can feel as though we make a pretty big jump from Palm Sunday to Maunday Thursday. I started to wonder if those three days had any particular significance, or if anything important took place, and I certainly didn’t have to launch any complex, academic search for information. All I had to do was turn to the Gospel of Matthew and start reading. Chapters 21:12 – 26:11 are filled with accounts of Jesus’ three days of ministry, as he told parables, interpreted Jewish laws, and debated with temple officials. We’re aware of a sense of urgency, a need to accomplish as much as possible in this short amount of time.
The first day of the Passover observance is Thursday, and the focus shifts to the important matter of arranging and participating in the traditional meal. Following Jesus’ instructions, the disciples found a room for their use, probably a plain, utilitarian space, with simple furnishings. After preparing the meal, the twelve and Jesus gathered around the table to eat.
We can envision a group of tired, anxious, uncertain disciples, hopefully finding comfort in the familiar rituals, when Jesus quietly reaches for a loaf of bread and a cup of wine.
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat, this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28)
With these words and actions, bread and wine are the means by which a new covenant is formed. The ancient rite, now with new meaning and power, connects all people with God in a relationship through Christ, who gave himself in unconditional love and sacrifice.
The use of ordinary bread and wine is so consistent with Jesus’ actions throughout his ministry. He baptized people with plain water, he restored sight with smears of mud, and simply laid his hands on the sick and suffering in healing. He met people on their level of need, listened and understood, always with words of assurance and forgiveness.
On this holy day of remembrance, we are invited to gather with our church family at the Lord’s Table. We hear, “given for you . . . shed for you,” and with these words we are again forgiven and brought into a new relationship with our Father in heaven. We are further connected not only to one another, but to Christians around the world, our brothers and sisters sharing the bread, the wine, and the words of promise from Jesus himself. We are always welcomed, with love and forgiveness, at our Lord’s table.
Grateful for the gifts of faith and life,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers