I have been very fortunate in that I have been able to visit Israel and Palestine three times. It is remarkable and a “pinch-me” worthy experience to stand in the very spots we read about in scripture. I remember so clearly the first time I stood on the ‘mount’ where Jesus spoke of what we now call the Beatitudes, also when we went sailing on the Sea of Galilee, and walking on the path that led into Capernaum. But, I think the most memorable moment for me was, and will remain, the ‘Upper Room’ where Jesus gathered with his followers for what would be their Passover meal and the last supper they shared together. The tour guide was quick to point out that this was not the very room but a replica in the area of the city where the original building might have been. Nonetheless it was one of those ‘time-stood-still’ kind of moments as my imagination catapulted me back to the days of Jesus.
This is Holy Week and today is Maundy Thursday the day when Jesus ate the meal, washed the disciples feet, and went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. All this week the stories of his final days weave together to tell a story of a political activist who knew God’s love so profoundly that he was willing to risk all to instruct and model God’s compassion and devotion to humanity. I often try to place myself in the story. Who would I be and where would I be on the night of the Passover? As Friday looms where do I fit in the story? Am I amid the jeering crowd or with the faithful at the cross?
This story of Jesus’ last week is one rich with symbolism and meaning. It fires the imagination and the emotions as it presents the pain and passion of one who was prepared to give all for the greater good. Tonight at the Maundy Thursday service we will hear of Jesus’ call to the disciples. Tomorrow we will weep at his cross and then move into the long wait of grief until the message of his resurrection splits the skies with the singing of angels.
