Thursday, April 2, 2015 (Maundy Thursday)

Thursday April 2, 2015 – Maundy Thursday 

John 17:1-11

Tonight marks the end of Lent and the beginning of the Three Days, the sacred Triduum, in which we recall, remember, and celebrate the events which record Jesus’ death and resurrection.  This day, Maundy Thursday, in the evening liturgy we will recall Jesus’ command to love one another as we re-enact the ceremony of foot-washing; as well, we will commemorate the last meal he had together with his friends and followers.

The word “Maundy” may be derived from Old French mandé, something commanded, or from Latin mandatum, commandment. 

The particular passage from John’s Gospel calls us to enter into these three days.  Jesus states that the time has come, and then goes on to speak much of glorification – of being glorified.  It is not an easy passage to understand, but we sense that it attempts to struggle with the purpose of Jesus’ imminent suffering and death, and the part that God plays. 

There are a variety of ways to understand what glorification means.  For some, it is the completion of God’s demand for substitutionary atonement.  For others, it is the summation of the whole earthly life of Jesus, and his message of love and inclusion in God’s realm.  I particularly like how biblical commentator Dirk Lange puts it:

God is not glorified by imposing a death sentence on Jesus. God is glorified by Jesus who is not looking to get something for himself but who simply wishes that all may be drawn toward God's gracious heart. Jesus walks this path that all may know God, not through ideology or patriotism or even theology, but in communion. The path Jesus takes, following God's will, is not a path of sacrifice, self-immolation. Identity is not forged through a morbid, death-glorifying religious practice. This path, this identity finds its fullness in the joy of giving and in drawing all toward this love. In drawing all toward himself, a new identity is given: fullness, life and eternal life

Jesus’ final words in this passage reflect this: “so that they may be one, as we are one.”  May we know and celebrate that unity in Christ, this day and always.

- Rev'd Paul Kett