Maundy Thursday

The Last Supper is described in three of the four New Testament Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Here are some of the life-changing highlights, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. First, Jesus predicts He will suffer soon after this meal and it will be His last meal prior to finishing His work on behalf of the kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-16). Second, Jesus gives His followers symbols of remembrance for His body and His blood sacrificed on behalf of all mankind. "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me'" (Luke 22:19).

Today the boys spent time at church with me, as some of us prepared a simple meal of soup, bread and fruit for all those who attended this evening's Maundy Thursday service. The boys were a big help in preparing all the tables for dinner and clearing them afterwards. This evening had special significance this year, as all 3 boys wanted to attend. We ate, took communion and walked the prayer labyrinth together. Attending the Passion Play last week, made it more real and visible for them to understand. It was a wonderful service, as a Pastor from a nearby Spanish church joined together with Rev. Rachel during the service. We were also honored to share the evening with those from his church. As I looked around the room at one point, it uplifted my heart as I saw so many different nationalities sitting around the same table, remembering Jesus together - and I thought, what a wonderful world the Lord has created for us to share together and for my children to be part of every day. This is one of the reasons I love our church so much - its diversity and openess to share with so many others. I couldn't ask for a better lesson in life for my sons. Thank you Rev. Rachel for all that you bring to us!

Though we are celebrating this holy week for Christians, it is also a holy time for those of the Jewish faith. It is Passover (Pesach), when Moses lead the Israelites out of bondage and to a new land. Where we have Maundy Thursday, they have a Seder to represent slavery and freedom. At Connor and Dylan's school, they have been studying Moses and the Commandments. Then right before spring break, we had a Seder of egg, gefelte fish, celery, matzoh ball soup and other items that symbolized the escape, tears that were shed, and the full circle of life. Remember this day, in which you came out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for by strength the hand of the LORD brought you out from this place. Exodus 13:3