Maundy Thursday April 18

Matthew 26:17-30

Sara Spohr

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.

I was a visitor at my brother’s church several years ago, when the pastor spilled the chalice of wine right in the middle of the words of institution.  Her hand simply moved too quickly when she was transitioning from bread to wine, and the chalice tipped over. Wine was everywhere. However, what is still most memorable to me about that moment, is that it didn’t faze her.  She didn’t get flustered or lose her place. She paused for just a moment and then said, “it was a mess at the foot of the cross, it seems fitting to have a mess on our altar as well.”

“It was a mess at the foot of the cross,” an understatement if ever there was one.  At the foot of the cross we know that Jesus has already endured abandonment and the betrayal of a close friend.  Jesus has been mocked, stripped, and beaten. Jesus hangs there in agonizing pain, bleeding, dying. His mother and best friends are watching it all.  This is more than a mess, it is unthinkable horror.

Tonight we celebrate the first communion of a group of our young people.  They will eat bread and wine, they will receive the promise that Jesus is with them, and they will hear again the story of Jesus’ death.  In some ways it will be sweet and glorious and remarkable. But let us not forget that it is also messy and scandalous and terrifying. Jesus came, Jesus suffered, Jesus gives us life - what a beautiful mess.

Questions for reflection:

• What thoughts and feelings are you experiencing when you receive the gift of holy communion?

• Can you recall a time in your life when you suffered, were betrayed, or lost something precious to you?  Did you draw on Jesus for strength? Did you find hope that Jesus was there enduring with you?

Prayer:

Jesus, you endured the cross to show your love for me.  No words can express my gratitude. Amen.