While
they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it, gave it
to the disciples, and said, "Take and eat; this is my body."
How often I have stood at the altar and prayed these words in the
Great Thanksgiving! Take, eat; take, drink. How often I have spoken these words as
the bread or cup was offered! I can picture people coming forward expectantly -- hands
opened to receive, spirits somber in self-reflection, hearts heavy or hungry or both,
souls trusting in the promise of life.
This is the food of forgiveness, St. Matthew tells us. In this simple
meal of bread and wine, we receive a gift that is far more than what it appears. In these
ordinary elements there comes the extraordinary gift from God, a treasure in earthen
vessels. Take, eat; take, drink, Jesus says. Even as he prepares for his own death,
Jesus shares a meal of love with followers who will falter.
Today is Maundy Thursday, the day of the institution of the Lord’s
Supper. It is a night of betrayal, as well as the night of the new mandate (John 13) that
we love one another. We are in Holy Week, a week of loving service unto death.
There is death in this meal. Before it becomes bread, the wheat is cut
and thrashed and ground. Before it becomes wine, the grape is plucked and crushed. And
before Jesus becomes eternal love and forgiveness for us, he gives his life into death. He
takes onto the cross all that ails us, even death itself, that we might receive love that
triumphs in the joy of the resurrection.
The Good News of Jesus Christ comes today in bread and wine, the meal
of forgiveness. Again I see people eating and drinking and returning, with souls
comforted, hearts rejoicing, will fortified for living. This is truly a holy week and a
holy meal.
Dear God, I thank you for this meal of forgiveness. I am humbled,
brought to my knees, with tears welling up from my soul in gratitude. In this meal you
have put to death my sin and raised me up in life. Help me to eat and drink with trust in
this great promise of life! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bishop Jerry Mansholt
Central States Synod, ELCA
