April 1, 2021
“I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26)
Today is Maundy Thursday. Have you ever found it odd that every time you take communion you are participating in a death? Or in Paul’s words from today’s reading, you “proclaim” death?
Death is news. When a famous person dies, we see it on print and screen. When a not so famous person dies, we read about it in the obituary section. Jesus’ death is the biggest news of all, of course. His death equals your forgiveness, the world’s forgiveness. And as there is so much to forgive on both fronts, we proclaim that death every Sunday.
“Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Collect for Maundy Thursday)
