Today is Maundy Thursday.
We remember Jesus washing the disciple’s feet. We remember him sharing a meal, reframing the Passover feast. We remember him including Judas, the one who would betray him, in both experiences.
And we remember the commandment Jesus gave.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
I shared in my previous post, I need to focus on what it means to “be.” As I grow in being with Jesus, I will also grow in doing with Jesus. I may grow to forgive as he does.
Through the Lectio 365 devotional, Pete Grieg asked “what if Judas would have held out until Easter?” If he wouldn’t have died by suicide, he too would have learned the depth of Jesus’ love, he would have known what it is to truly forgive.
I admit I do not forgive this way. I tend to forgive with conditions. I forgive when someone has paid the price, whatever that price may be. I forgive when the conditions have been met that allow me to feel like the person knows they have wronged me.
This is not how Jesus forgives. Jesus loves more than he wants someone to feel bad. Jesus loves so much that he serves the one who betrays him. Jesus loves so much that he shares his very life with the one who will hurt him.
To practice this radical, serving, self-giving love, this is what it I am invited to “do” and it is who I am called to “be.”
And oh, it is so hard. By God’s grace I do not have to do it alone or by my own power.
Life is better together,
Shawn
Big Rubber Band Ball 