14th. April. 2022. Daily Devotion.

Before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13:1-2

On Maundy Thursday we remember three gifts that Jesus is offering us. He is offering us the gift of service as he ties the towel around his waist, kneels on the floor and washes the feet of his disciples. He is offering us the gift of love as he gives us the new commandment of love as strong as his own. He is offering the gift of Holy Communion, the act of remembering and celebrating his physical presence among us as we share in the simple gifts of bread and wine. Today we remember these ultimate acts of generosity, Jesus’ parting and lasting gifts to all of humankind, for ever.

But … how good are we at receiving offers of service, love and remembrance? It is part of our culture that we should not feel the need to ask for help. We like to think we are able to stand on our own two feet and support ourselves and our loved ones without ‘interference’ from ‘outside’. How many times has someone offered to help you and you have rejected that offer with words like: I’m alright, thank you, or I can manage by myself or, I don’t need anyone’s help? It is something we do all the time. Even when our need is at its greatest, we resist the helping hand of others because we perceive the acceptance of such help as a display of our own weakness.

Following Jesus’ giving of his great gifts, he will move to the Garden of Gethsemane where he will seek help and strength from his Father in heaven. Jesus knows that he is about to be betrayed; Jesus knows that he will soon be denied; Jesus knows that his earthly life is ending. And yet, despite all of this, Jesus pauses to share the generosity of his love and service with those closest to him. He does not share that love and service as a private act of friendship but as a commissioning. And the gift of Holy Communion is given as a way of reminding us of this momentous turning point in the history of humanity.

God our Father, give us grace that we may accept with humility, the ministry of our Saviour’s love in sacrament and the loving service of others, for Jesus’ sake. Amen

Prayer for Maundy Thursday                                                                                                     Son of Man, who on the night before your passion took towel and water and washed the feet of your disciples: give us understanding of what you have done and teach us to follow the example of your humility, that by love we may serve one another for love of you, our Saviour, and our Lord. Amen.

Inspire the Church with the presence of Jesus Christ, here with us as he was with his disciples on the eve of his Passion. Draw us closer to you and to one another in the celebration of holy communion.

Recalling your great acts of mercy, we pray for the world, for freedom from the slavery of injustice and oppression, and all that holds people back from fullness of life.

As you gave to your disciples a new commandment of love, give the spirit of love to all among whom we live. Let the healing power of our communion spread beyond walls, to make many whole.

Have mercy on those who have not learned to love. Grant that those who feel themselves to be without value may be confident of their worth shown in Christ’s saving death.

We remember those who in this world followed Christ and died in the assurance of his love. May the grace of his communion fortify us until we rest with them.

We make our prayers in the name of Christ, who makes his people clean. Amen.