Reflections on Maundy Thursday

For the past several years, I have gone to a Maundy Thursday service, however this year I am at home. It is good to reflect on Our Lord's words wherever I am on this day of Holy Week. In Luke 22:14, it says,"When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table." The disciples and Jesus sitting at a long table in the famous painting of The Last Supper is how I think of this final meal. The custom of the day was to recline, so I am assuming they were really spread out on the floor with some kind of cloth in front of them for the food and drink. Sounds like a picnic, doesn't it? Relaxed and without a care in the world. Just the opposite was the tone, I do believe. One apostle planning to turn Jesus in to the authorities, others wanting to know who would be the greatest and Peter vowing to never betray his Savior. What must have been going through Jesus' mind? I don't know, but I can imagine He was focusing on His Father and knowing that this meal held a double meaning. Luke 22:19 "....This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Luke 22:20 "....This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

In a few minutes, I will have my dinner. It will be leftovers or as my friend calls them, "must-goes". There are sounds of lawn mowers mowing, dogs barking, and a myriad of other distractions. Amid the everydayness of this time, thank you, Father, for the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Amen.