Maundy Thursday

Jesus shared the final meal with his disciples, called the Last Supper, on the night before he was crucified. The institution of the Holy Eucharist occurred during this meal, as indicated from the gospel excerpt below:

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "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. I tell you I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29 RSV)

The Last Supper is the ultimate revelation of God’s redeeming love for man. “It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of love.”* (John 13:1) (*Some translations read “he loved them to the end.”)

After the meal, Jesus rose and with a basin full of water and a clean towel, he washed the feet of the disciples. He did this to teach them humility and service, evidences of love.

Judas loved money more than he loved Jesus and he proved that by his betrayal. When he kissed Jesus on his cheek to indicate to the soldiers who Jesus was, I am sure he saw unfathomable love in the eyes of Jesus. Knowing what he had done to the One who loved him so much was unbearable to Judas. Yet, even this act of treachery was part of God’s plan.

It’s all about His love for you and for me.