Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday, March 20, 2008

Psalm 15; Matthew 26:20-75


"Drink it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
(Matthew 26:27-28)

All of the events of Jesus' Passion that we read about today and tomorrow especially are part of this "pouring out," this emptying himself of his life on our behalf. We see him betrayed, being "pressed" in the Garden of the "Olive Press" (Gethsemane), surrendering his will to the Father's will, being seized and arrested and not resisting, false charges trumped up against him, his simple testimony that he is the Christ, the Son of God, his not defending himself even to a single charge, and his closest friend's denial. He has invited and called his disciples to follow him, to take up their cross and go with him and be with him. He shares his last meal, the Passover feast with them, and he asks them to stay awake with him.

Tomorrow, the blood will literally pour out as he is scourged and crucified "for many for the forgiveness of sins." But for today, go with him, in your heart and mind, to his last supper, to dark Gethsemane, to the judgment hall...

Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the tempter's power;
your Redeemer's conflict see, watch with him one bitter hour.
Turn not from his griefs away; learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

See him at the judgment hall, beaten, bound, reviled, arraigned;
O the wormwood and the gall! O the pangs his soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; learn of Christ to bear the cross.

Calvary's mournful mountain climb; there, adoring at his feet,
mark that miracle of time, God's own sacrifice complete.
"It is finished!" hear him cry; learn of Jesus Christ to die.

[Early hasten to the tomb where they laid his breathless clay;
all is solitude and gloom. who has taken him away? Christ is risen!
He meets our eyes; Savior, teach us so to rise.]


Prayer for Maundy Thursday:
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.