April 18, 2019
For full passage click: John 13:31b-35 …“Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’” vs. 33
Goodbyes are never easy! And the ones we say toward the close of our lives are probably the hardest of all. Sometimes we don’t know if we’ll ever see this person that we’ve loved so much ever again. Maybe distance is the factor, many times it’s age. We have the sense that death is going to come—never again will there be conversation or hugs. The disciples must have had those premonitions as they gathered with Jesus in that upper room for their Passover meal. Jesus certainly knew that time was short. Words said in those last encounters are important, they often are emblazoned in our memories. The disciples never forgot what Jesus told them in that last time together and neither should we. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” These words were intended by Jesus to be the identifying mark of his followers. As we practice this directive in our congregations, we provide a witness to the world and fulfill the deepest desires of our Lord and Teacher. Even though Jesus died, he continues to be present to us in the love we have for one another, and it’s for this reason that this day is called “Maundy Thursday.”
Thought for the Day: What does the word “Maundy” mean?
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