A liturgy for Maunday Thursday communion
The place is full of pilgrims
the hill of Zion
filled with the sounds of singing
laughter
reunions
and sheep
lots and lots of sheep
lambs, for the slaughter
needed for the meal
the meal where we remember
remember freedom from slavery
release from oppression
some of us who live in the city
the great city of Jerusalem
take in guest for Passover
this year
the upper room is already set out
ready
ready for the one who
has cured the sick
walked on water
spoken of God’s love and mercy in ways
we can hardly imagine
he’s dangerous to know
coming into Jerusalem on a donkey
overthrowing tables in the temple
the Pharisees are after him
It would be easy to refuse him
to say “no, the upper room’s already booked”
but it’s ready for him
the water pot will be a sign
a sign for those in the know
the upper room is here
here for Jesus
Read: Mark 14:12-26
On the first day of unleavened bread, when the Passover lambs were sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples said to him, ‘Where would you like us to go and get things ready for you to eat the Passover?’
13 He sent off two of his disciples, with these instructions.
‘Go into the city, and you will be met by a man carrying a water-pot. Follow him. 14 When he goes indoors, say to the master of the house, “The teacher says, where is the guest room for me, where I can eat the Passover with my disciples?” 15 He will show you a large upstairs room, set out and ready. Make preparations for us there.’
16 The disciples went out, entered the city, and found it exactly as he had said.
They prepared the Passover.
17 When it was evening, Jesus came with the Twelve. 18 As they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, ‘I’m telling you the truth: one of you is going to betray me – one of you that’s eating with me.’
19 They began to be very upset, and they said to him, one after another, ‘It isn’t me, is it?’
20 ‘It’s one of the Twelve,’ said Jesus, ‘one who has dipped his bread in the dish with me. 21 Yes: the son of man is completing his journey, as scripture said he would; but it’s bad news for the man who betrays him! It would have been better for that man never to have been born.’
22 While they were eating, he took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them.
‘Take it,’ he said. ‘This is my body.’
23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 ‘This is my blood of the covenant,’ he said, ‘which is poured out for many. 25 I’m telling you the truth: I won’t ever drink from the fruit of the vine again, until that day – the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’
Jesus Is Arrested
26 They sang a hymn, and went out to the Mount of Olives.
Prayer
Lord God
we gather
we gather in our homes
quietly
coming to the table of grace
set with that which we have to hand
wine, of sorts
bread, of sorts
longing to be fed
to be filled to the brim with the spirit of God
as we share this feast together
through time and space
which we know, are no barrier for you, our heavenly King
as we gather
as we come to break bread and drink wine
may the power of the Holy Spirit fall upon it and us
that, together, we may be the body and blood of Christ Jesus
that we may be nourished though this meal of grace
Amen
On the night Jesus was betrayed
in a borrowed upper room
kept secret from the authorities
Jesus changed the meaning of the bread and wine on the table
“This is by body, broken for you.” he said
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” what did that mean
to the disciples gathered in that upper room
what does it mean to us
gathered in this way, in this time?
A new beginning
a way of remembering
remembering Jesus
until he comes again
so take the bread, broken for you
so drink the wine, shed for you
remembering Jesus
until he comes again
Sharing
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ
we remember you
in gratefulness for all you have done for us
in feeding us with this rich spiritual food
brought to us in the simplicity of bread and wine
as we remember you this day
help us to follow you
even to the pain of the cross
to not avert our eyes
to not betray you
and gaze upon such love
such love as this
that your body is broken for us
your blood is shed for us
Amen