Reflection & Practices
John 13:1
“Having loved his dear companions, Jesus continued to love them right to the end.” (The Message).
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (NRSV)
It is Thursday.
On this day when Jesus would be betrayed and denied, before he would be killed and buried, Jesus takes time to show his love “to the end.” Jesus never stops loving no matter the circumstances. Take time today to enjoy a meal with Jesus and reflect upon his abiding love. What is Jesus’ invitation to you in your challenging circumstances?
Below you see some suggested practices. We invite you to discover your own as well.
Suggested family liturgy +
This at home liturgy is especially wonderful for families!
Otherwise, you may find a shorter practice suits you.
Sit down with a meal & invite Jesus to join you +
LISTEN | Scripture Reading — Read Luke 22:1-23 out loud. As you read it, pick out a word, phrase, or emotion that stands out to you.
REFLECT |
Food is a common love language. How have you experienced “love” through food recently?
What is special to you about communion/The Eucharist? What do you miss about sharing together?
How does it make you feel to know that Jesus fed and shared a meal with all of his disciples, even Judas who would soon betray him? What does that teach us about God?
Jesus gives thanks for the bread before breaking it. What things do you give thanks for in your life?
Finish with John 13:1-35. Imagine Jesus washing your feet and inviting you to live a life of love as he has loved you.
A prayer for today +
God,
good beyond all that is good,
fair beyond all that is fair,
in you is calmness, peace, and concord.
Heal the dissensions that divide us from one another
and bring us back to a unity of love bearing
some likeness to your divine nature.
Christ knew what it felt to be betrayed by friends.
Help us to forgive our betrayers and love our enemies
Through the embrace of love and the bonds of godly affection,
make us one in Spirit
by your peace which makes all thing peaceful.
We ask this through the grace, mercy and tenderness of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
-- Dionysisus of Alexandria (d. 264) adapted for Maundy Thursday
Watch & pray with Jesus +
Not long after sharing the Eucharist and washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus asks his followers to stay up with him and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, before he is arrested. We invite you to keep watch and pray this night. Taize & breath prayer can be especially formative.
Sing some hymns +
Join in with the worship band and other musicians you love. Check out Be Thou My Vision on webpage. (Note: Mark 14:26)
Blessings on your day with Jesus.