Cup (Lent #44)

Today is Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday.  It is the day many churches will remember Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and sharing a new commandment with them.

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. (John 13:34, NRSV)

Today will also be a day many will retell the story of Jesus sharing a meal with those same followers.  Inviting them to see the celebration of the Passover meal in a new light.

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. (Luke 22:14-20, NRSV)

A new commandment shared with a towel and basin, a new covenant offered in a cup.

The cup of blessing.  The cup of redemption.  The cup of salvation.

Filled with Jesus.

As I gather with others tonight and hear again these stories.

I pray I will pause before I receive Communion.
I pray I will recognize myself seated around the table with Christ as my host.
I pray I will receive his new commandment and affirm the new covenant.
I pray this won’t be an empty ritual, but will be for me and all those who share in this experience this day (and every day we share in it), a renewal of vows, a refreshing of the Spirit, a reminder of grace, a rediscovery of how great is God’s love for us.
I pray I will understand the cup from which I drink overflows with more than I need, that it contains enough to satisfy creation’s need.

I pray we’ll share this cup together, for in sharing it we share Christ’s life, death and resurrection.  We share that which is life.  Drink deep.

Life is better together,
Shawn