Today's lectionary reading: Exodus 12:1-4, 5-10, 11-14; Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 ; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Selected passage for reflection: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NIV)
Today the Church observes Maundy Thursday. This day commemorates Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and The Last Supper, where Jesus blesses the bread and the wine, serves it to the apostles, and asks that breaking bread and drinking wine be a way to remember Him.
Read
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Reflect
These words are so familiar. We hear them in some form or another in most celebrations of communion, and yet the first words of the Apostle Paul from the passage struck me anew: “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you.” In the sacred rhythm of Lent, as we press through Holy Week, it is not simple about the opportunities for individual growth and reflection, but how we invite others in and pass on what we receive.
Let this moment not be an excuse to go through the motions, but stop, listen, pay attention and receive. We have nothing to share if we fail to open our hands to the gift before us. Did the disciples know the invitation extended to them on that very night? Do we know the invitation?
The miracle of communion is found in the join of the ordinary with the divine. The mystery of the sacrament is how simple elements, familiar to many tables, become sacred as we ceremoniously take, bless, break and remember. We can participate before we understand. Sometimes the motions move our faith forward. This day, I invite you to open your eyes to the peace and grace offered first and foremost by a Savior who knew He’d face death for you.
May you receive afresh this day. May the ordinary things of life be filled with the Spirit and transformed. May you pass on what you receive that others might know that surpassing grace and mercy found in the One who laid down his life for you and me.
Respond
Find communion elements in your home. What is often on your table? A staple at every meal? Take it. Bless it as Jesus did. Break it and remember this command the Lord gave to the men and women dining with him on that fateful evening.
Sit with the invitation to “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes again.” Savor the opportunity to take the ordinary and witness the transformation to sacred as God comes.
Invite someone else to the table. Share your experience.
Rest
Almighty God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, meet me in this moment. Help me see the opportunity in the ordinary and how your Spirit takes us deeper. As I take, bless, break and remember help me to see your invitation to grace, your offer of peace, your ability to sustain and how I might share this good news with others. AMEN.
About the Author
Cath Kaminski is privileged to be the church planter at Beacon Community Church in Lincoln, NE. Beacon’s ministry is founded on the gospel and justice. Cath helps lead this open and affirming body through the difficult & fruitful waters of racial reconciliation & righteousness, inclusivity & embrace of all people.