Holy Wednesday: The Passover begins

As Jesus begins the Passover he is aware that the faith of some has already been destroyed while the faith of the other disciples will be shaken in these next few hours. He knows what has already happened and realizes that the hour has come:

Judas was given 30 pieces of silver this morning to have me arrested. My disciples deserve to know that there a person among us who will betray me. However, I will not reveal who it is by name for his sake and for the sake of his soul. "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me this very night." I can see that they are deeply disturbed at my words. They are mumbling to themselves asking who this person might be. Some look confused. Some look scared. Some, including Peter of course, look angry.

I need to calm them down. "He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me." I want them to know that this is the will of my Father. "The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him." Yet, they should also know that Judas, although I won't call him by name, has sold his very soul. "Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." I feel Judas himself tug on my tunic and say to me, ""Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" You know it is you yet I will not reveal your betrayal to the others. "You have said so."

Now that they know that one of them will betray my they also need to know that all of their lives will be forever changed on this night. They must understand that this is their ordination into the priesthood. This very night I bestow upon them the ministry of the sacradotal priest. They will act in my name when I return to the Father. They will re-present this sacrifice I am about to give them. I want them to realize that from this point forward they live not for themselves but for the service of others. I'll show them this by being an example to them.

They are staring at me in confusion as I get up from the table. I should remove my tunic. I will tie this towel around myself just as the servants do. They are whispering to each other as I hold this pitcher of water with one hand and the basin in the other. They are each staring at me as I kneel before them washing their feet. They are not sure what to do. I realize their confusion but they must understand that we are servants of my Father's people. This is the only way they can understand; if they see me serving as well. Now it is Peter's turn. I can already see he is going to put up a fuss. That s just like Peter, though, and I love him for his fire and outspokenness to me. "Master, are you going to wash my feet?" I don't think even Peter knows what my actions mean. "What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later." Peter, I already know what you are going to say even as the words come out of your mouth. "You will never wash my feet." I know he is uncertain but he also knows I have a purpose for doing this. "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me." I am curious as to how he will respond to that. "Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well." I should have known. Peter, you always overdo it but I love you dearly.

Now I want them to know that they are to imitate my example tonite. "Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me 'teacher' and 'master,' and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."His betrayal has taken place. The wheels have been set into motion. He has given them an example of the service they must show to everyone they minister to and has given us the same example as well.. This is the last and most important thing he teaches them Now begins the Passover meal. We are ready to celebrate his ultimate sacrifice. We are ready to be given his very Body and Blood in the Eucharist. He will offer this to us in just one day.

Until tomorrow...God bless.

posted by: crossman at 06:10 | link | comments |
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