Here are the words from the second reading at Maundy Thursday Service.
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
As I read these words tonight in the service, I heard God. You see, in the Episcopal Church, we hear these words every week during the Eucharist. Somehow though, tonight they took a deeper meaning for me. I do not know if it was because I was reading them. I do not know if it was because of it being Holy Week. What I do believe however, is that the Holy Spirit was there with me as I read the words.
I could not help but envision Jesus as he was depicted in the film "The Passion of Chirst" that was released several years ago. I am sure that the visual impact of this film will never leave me. Perhaps that is why these words at this time in my life, take on new meaning. What Jesus did for us is beyond our human comprehension.
Sometimes, I look at these words I write and the feelings I have and sometimes relate to others and I wonder if folks think that I am a little off center. And, frankly, I have the same thoughts from time to time. But, as I think about this and look deeep inside, I am deeply grateful that God has let me in on these thoughts and how they only strengthen my faith and conviction that He is calling me to a greater service.
Ann told me tonight about some of her feelings as she participates in this journey with me. She is a wonderful woman and a blessing to me. This would all be impossible without her support as well. My prayer this Maundy Thursday night is for you, the readers of this journal, to begin or to continue to discover the wonder of the love of God and the majesty and mystery of the breadth of it.
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
As I read these words tonight in the service, I heard God. You see, in the Episcopal Church, we hear these words every week during the Eucharist. Somehow though, tonight they took a deeper meaning for me. I do not know if it was because I was reading them. I do not know if it was because of it being Holy Week. What I do believe however, is that the Holy Spirit was there with me as I read the words.
I could not help but envision Jesus as he was depicted in the film "The Passion of Chirst" that was released several years ago. I am sure that the visual impact of this film will never leave me. Perhaps that is why these words at this time in my life, take on new meaning. What Jesus did for us is beyond our human comprehension.
Sometimes, I look at these words I write and the feelings I have and sometimes relate to others and I wonder if folks think that I am a little off center. And, frankly, I have the same thoughts from time to time. But, as I think about this and look deeep inside, I am deeply grateful that God has let me in on these thoughts and how they only strengthen my faith and conviction that He is calling me to a greater service.
Ann told me tonight about some of her feelings as she participates in this journey with me. She is a wonderful woman and a blessing to me. This would all be impossible without her support as well. My prayer this Maundy Thursday night is for you, the readers of this journal, to begin or to continue to discover the wonder of the love of God and the majesty and mystery of the breadth of it.
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