Maundy Thursday

Tonight we are drawn by grace to be present with him and the other disciples at Jesus’ last supper. Rather, we are invited by Jesus to be the Beloved Disciple, for in Jesus’ eyes that is what we are. So let us accept his invitation, be the Beloved Disciple, and take our place next to Jesus to celebrate with him this Passover meal.
This was to be Jesus’ final meal with his closest friends. He met to recall the night when God delivered their ancestors from slavery and led them to the Promised Land. God pledged his love to them, and they pledged themselves to welcome that love and to respond. He is showing his love for us right through to the end. He pleads with us to do the same for others, for his heart reaches out to the world and he knows that if he is to carry out his Father’s mission he will have to continue it through us. If people come to a meal uncomfortable from a dusty road, we are to wash their feet so that they will feel welcome to enjoy companionship and shared love. If they come to us with broken hearts, we are to embrace them. Whatever we do to the least of those whom Jesus loves he considers that we are doing it to him.
All Lent we have been preparing ourselves for the communion we are to receive tonight. We know we are weak, but let each of us believe that tonight we are the Beloved Disciple. Let Jesus wash our feet. Let him love us and care for us.