Thursday, March 28, Lent 38
Jesus’ words of comfort to his friends:
‘I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order.’ Jesus (John 16:33)
Today is Maundy Thursday, the day we traditionally mark as the day Jesus had the Last Supper with His community. He gave us the blueprint of communion in this meal but beyond what we have written, we can’t really know what they talked about together. I like to think these words might have been part of it, as He told His friends they did not need to fear. He said, “I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace.” And then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.
I love this poem by Malcolm Guite written for this day in the church calendar.
Here is the source of every sacrament,
The all-transforming presence of the Lord,
Replenishing our every element
Remaking us in his creative Word.
For here the earth herself gives bread and wine,
The air delights to bear his Spirit's speech,
The fire dances where the candles shine,
The waters cleanse us with His gentle touch.
And here He shows the full extent of love
To us whose love is always incomplete,
In vain we search the heavens high above,
The God of love is kneeling at our feet.
Though we betray Him, though it is the night.
He meets us here and loves us into light.
Malcolm Guite
Jesus, when we fear, remind us that You said we didn’t have to. Help us to trust in You. Amen.