Maundy Thursday 2020: Loving well.

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. John 13:1

Setting the scene

·        Readings: Matthew 26 and John 13 – different family members could prepare ahead to read the different parts of the story – you could select only some parts of these chapters to read

·        A bowl of water and towel, soap etc – set up a visual feature in a corner

·        if you want to, aim for a Mediterranean style meal or a lamb-based dish for your evening meal today

·        No matter what you are planning to eat, when you lay your dinner table, if there is room, also place a plate with bread in the centre of the table (flat bread like pitta or a wrap, or else a slice of bread or a roll etc) and a carafe/jug/bottle and/or a goblet/glass of wine/port/juice – alternatively set them aside to bring onto the table later

·        You could also have a candle, cross, rosemary or other herbs, silver coins on your table

·        Choose some background music or songs to sing or listen to at appropriate times

·        If you are on your own tonight, be reminded of the unity you have in Christ with his people everywhere. May the Holy Spirit warm your heart and bless you through the bond of peace we share together.

Loving well: Serving one another

Read John 13:1-17 – go to your washroom and take turns to all thoroughly wash your hands, reminding one another that this simple task is a service to everyone in keeping us all healthy, especially at this time of risk with COVID19. Remember that Jesus came to serve us and help us. Picture Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. Imagine the Servant King washing your hands for you now.

As you come to the table, have someone pray, giving thanks for the way you have served one another in preparations for the meal – cooking, setting the table, washing hands etc - or else say your usual table grace together.

Loving well: Eating together

Enjoy your meal together, take special note of the taste and aroma of the food. Enjoy the conversation and the blessing of being safe and well and enjoying this time in one another’s company. Picture the disciples eating, talking, laughing together with Jesus. Remind yourselves that Jesus is present with you now at the table, as you share your meal and his meal. Say the Lord’s Prayer together.

Draw your attention now to the bread and the wine. Read Matthew 26:17-30 and (optional) break the bread and serve one another, eating it together (remembering) the body of Christ given for you. Pour the wine/juice and drink, (remembering) Jesus’ blood shed for you. You can use the liturgy David provided if you prefer.

Loving well: care and compassion

You could now have a few moments of prayer for loved ones, the nation, and the whole world, as we all face the consequences of COVID19.

Then, if weather permits, you might go out into the garden with torches and read about Jesus’ anguish, prayer, and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane Matt 26:36-56. Play some music… Reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice for us and thank him for loving us so much.

Say the words of John 13:34-35: 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.

Bless one another and return indoors to finish your meal.

For your own prayer and meditation tonight:

Reflect on the fact that the disciples all deserted Jesus and fled (Matt 26:56) but that Jesus will never abandon us (Matt 28:20). He is faithful and assures us of his loving presence with us. Take time to listen for his voice telling you how much he loves you……

Ask Jesus to show you how you may put love into practice this Easter and beyond. Seek his help to discover new ways of extending care and compassion to those in isolation or struggling with a society changed by restrictions at this difficult time.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.                                                                                    1John 4:10-12