Today is Holy Thursday. So much lessons to remember about this special evening.
The Last Supper/Jesus washing the feet of the disciples/the Holy Eucharist:
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet, that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14)
“Then He took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, which will be given for You; do this in memory of Me.
Then, He took the cup saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. “(Luke 22:19-20).
Today is also Maundy Thursday, maundy from mandatum (Latin) meaning command.
On this day, Jesus Christ shared this: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34).
Despite Judas’ betrayal and being rejected by the same crowd that welcomed Him like a King some days before, Jesus reminded us to love all.
With His new commandment, Jesus raised the definition of love and reminded us to love, to include forgiveness, and, to include everyone, enemies, sinners, all.
In His agony in the garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper, Jesus shows us the struggle with YET the peace and strength that result from accepting God’s will.
“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)
Then Jesus, following His Father’s will, proceeded through His scourging at the pillar, His being crowned with thorns, His carrying of the cross, His crucifixion, and death.
All for His love for His Father who “so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
From our dear Jesus Christ’s birth to His death, His Resurrection came our redemption, our salvation, all because of love, God’s love for us all.
“There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born, a time to die, a time to kill, a time to heal, a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3).
A time to be always grateful to our dear God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ for our redemption/our reunion back in God’s dwelling place forever!
This sharing from dear husband Orly.
“Holy Week is a time to weep but a time to rejoice as well.
For Holy Week is a time of rejoicing. Just like Christmas when Christ entered the home of each and every one of us, Holy Week is also an invitation of Jesus to join Him in his Resurrection by inviting us to share life and sufferings of life with others so we may be able to share in His Resurrection.
Let this Holy Week be a reminder that Jesus Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection are also ours, if we are willing to be part of God's history of redemption.”
Thank You again and always, our dear God the Father, for sharing Jesus Christ, whose crucifixion and resurrection graced us with our redemption, our reunion with You in Your heavenly home, forever!
May we all have a prayerful, reflective Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Resurrection Sunday, with “time for silence, for love, for peace.”
May we also remember in our prayers those who are awaiting God’s healing, God’s call, God’s eternal peace.
A Blessed Easter to you all, and your family and loved ones!