A Reflection for Maundy Thursday
"Maundy Thursday is an alternate name for Holy Thursday, the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to and immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus. The English word "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum, which means "commandment." As recorded in John's gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). This is why services on this night generally include the washing of feet or other acts of physical care as an integral part of the celebration.
While John's gospel does not record the institution of the Lord's Supper among the events of this night, the other gospels do. Christians therefore keep this night with celebrations both at the basin (footwashing) and at the Lord's Table (Holy Communion)." (from the United Methodist Church)
JESUS INCOGNITO, JESUS REVEALED
I was a child of the 1970s and 80s. I grew up with Mr. Rogers. I visited the neighborhood daily (sometimes twice a day). Mr. Rogers was a trusted friend - I now recognize, a mashup of caring teacher/uncle/pastor - whose gentle wisdom cushioned my days.
I remember Officer Clemmons. I remember this scene from reruns.
But encountering it again as an adult, it takes my breath away.
I am moved by the power of God's love in our everyday lives.
When we are with and for each other, we meet Jesus, who is God with and for us. Right here and now.
This feels like the right story for this Maundy Thursday, so I share it with you.
Today we begin the holiest time of the church year. "Holy" means "set apart." I invite you to come into these next few days with a sense of holy pause, awareness, noticing.
Let these days be set apart from the ordinary with a sense of attention to God's presence.
The upside down, powerful-in-weakness, gentle and persistent love of Christ sees, acknowledges, and lifts up others. In whom do you see this love today?
Who are you invited to see, touch, lift up, and so meet Christ?
Who is Jesus speaking through to you today?
Blessing You Cannot Turn Back
For Holy Thursday
As if you could
stop this blessing
from washing
over you.
As if you could
turn it back,
could return it
from your body
to the bowl,
from the bowl
to the pitcher,
from the pitcher
to the hand
that set this blessing
on its way.
As if you could
change the course
by which this blessing
flows.
As if you could
control how it
pours over you—
unbidden,
unsought,
unasked,
yet startling
in the way
it matches the need
you did not know
you had.
As if you could
become undrenched.
As if you could
resist gathering it up
in your two hands
and letting your body
follow the arc
this blessing makes.
—Jan Richardson, (The Painted Prayerbook)
For a longer version of the story, go here.
