Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Devotion 4.2.15

Maundy Thursday. From the Latin word mandatum (mandate) and in this case "command." Christ, during the Last Supper speaks to his disciples and says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:  just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another." (John 13:34)

Before he is betrayed, Christ washes the disciples feet (John 13) and has his last supper during Passover.  During the Last Supper, he institutes the Lord's Supper, breaking bread and saying, "'Take, eat; this is my body.' And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying, 'Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Mark 26)

Bread and wine Christ proclaims as his body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins.  A "new covenant" as Christ calls it.  Christ, now the Passover lamb, given in death for our sins.  Love one another.  Receive his body and blood.  His suffering, death and resurrection make his sacrifice all the more real and the institution of the sacrament of Holy Communion is completed by his suffering, death and resurrection.

Today, we are the beneficiaries of his sacrifice of love and of taking part in the Sacrament of the Altar - Holy Communion.  We pray for forgiveness and grace as provided by the Lord's Supper. We give thanks to Christ for our forgiveness, mercy and grace through the sacrament and his suffering, death, and resurrection.

Hope Men's Ministry

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