Maundy Thursday: Serving

Maundy Thursday

At the last supper Jesus told us to love one another and He shows us how:

He showed us how when he washed his disciples’ feet.

He showed us how when he shared supper with his friends.

He showed us how when he forgave those that killed him.

He showed us how when he died on the cross for our salvation.

We can only truly get our lives right when we die to ourselves and let the light of Christ rise up within us, following him on the way of service, the way of love, the way of the cross.   

Jo

Janet Bird reflects

Who would ever have thought that our lives could change so totally in such a short time? There is so much grief in the world and so many people suffering that we need God in our lives more than ever before. And yet there is so much to give thanks for. The number of people volunteering to help others is phenomenal. Buildings are being adapted and turned into hospitals in a matter of days. The NHS is doing the most incredible job and we give thanks to God for all who are giving so selflessly to help others as we see that the Community spirit is definitely alive and well and keeping the elderly and the vulnerable safe and fed.

This passage from Matthew 25 seems particularly pertinent at the moment

³⁷ The righteous will then answer him, ‘When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? ³⁸ When did we ever see you a stranger and welcome you in our homes, or naked and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ ⁴⁰ The King will reply, ‘I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!’

Nobody is safe from this virus unless we all keep away from others and practise social distancing at all times. We have seen people from all walks of life being becoming ill, including our Prime Minister and famous people have died as well, people who have been working so hard within the health service caring for others.

However we know that we are not alone in our suffering and in this Holy Week we especially remember the suffering which Jesus endured for our sake. As we make our way with Jesus on the journey towards the horror of the crucifixion we pray that we may all show the courage and faith that Jesus showed on that journey to the Cross.  In a world where so much is uncertain at the moment may we gain strength and comfort from knowing that God is with us, sharing our sorrow and guiding us towards a time when, with His help, we will once again be free to live our lives in safety, able to be with those we love.

As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Day may we truly experience a rebirth, so that when this awful time is over we will use what we have learned from our isolation to ensure that the love that we have been sharing for our families, friends and neighbours continues to manifest itself in more practical ways than perhaps we were previously used to. Keeping in touch, showing people how much they mean to us and concentrating on what is really important in our lives.

May God bless all who are caring for the sick and needy and may we all be guided by His Spirit and the love of Christ as we cope with the days and weeks ahead. Amen.  With much love to you all,  Janet.