Devotion.al

Tag: lovefeast

  • Be Sent

    Be Sent

    Psalm 150; Proverbs 9:1–6; Mark 16:9–18

    One of the great truisms of the is, “ loves me, this I know; for the bible tells me so.” It is that simple. It is, however, much more than that.

    It would be nice were it only that, and it was that simple. As most of us understand, yes, Jesus us loves us, and Jesus showed it through his sinless and his . That isn’t it, though.

    We like to keep our faith simple. Simple is good. Often, though, we keep our faith simply foolish. The foolishness is not presenting the of Christ first. Nor is it foolish to be authentic and transparent about your failings.

    The “woman of wisdom” sends people out to and invite people into a feast. She calls on people to walk in , leaving the simplistic ways they know.

    We could say that the “woman of wisdom” is talking about our faith maturing, and that isn’t a bad thing. However, the biggest danger is making our faith so complicated that we cannot it, while still make sure that we don’t make it so simple that get a false understanding of what it means to call Jesus Lord and Savior.

    Despite the oddity of the verses in Mark, there is an obvious message of going out into the world, evangelizing, and discipling. This is part of our mission. This is where we are called to be the servants of the “woman of wisdom” calling and inviting others to the feast at the table.

    ※Reflection※

    • What are your thoughts about the “woman of wisdom”? Who might the “woman of wisdom” be?
    • What does it mean to you to call and invite people to the table? Which table or tables?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, send us. Amen.

  • Together Time

    Together Time

    Exodus 12:1–4, 5–10, 11–14; Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; John 13:1–17, 31b–35

    The tie between Passover and the Last Supper is obvious just based on the fact that the Last Supper was in the context of Passover. Part of the first Passover was the blood of the Lamb that was placed upon doorjambs in obedience to God so that the plague of the death of the firstborn male would Passover the Jewish people. The for the firstborn remained part of the Law, insofar as a blood sacrifice being needed to atone for the firstborn .

    The road that ends on the cross tomorrow is the sacrifice of the firstborn of God, God’s only Son.

    Just as it appears that the nation of Egypt was in the place of the sacrifice of the firstborn (many outweighing the few), so too was God (the infinite) in the place of his (us).

    Maundy Thursday (as this day is called) is, for me, the second hardest day of the Christian Year. Meals are special. Especially as my kids are at the point of being so busy working and with activities and at school, meals together are even more special. For , this special meal may well have been the most important of his life. I cannot imagine having this high holy day overshadowed by betrayal, torture, and death. Then knowing that all but one would run away.

    Jesus still embraced the of that meal. Oddly, I think there was joy, too. Despite the human failings of the 11 that would remain, there is something comforting being with people that you care for deeply, especially when confronting the darkness head-on. The 11 would carry-on the mission that you and I have inherited.

    reminds the Corinthians that they were inheritors, too. The Last Supper was really the first supper. Just as I treasure the time around the table with my , we should all treasure our time around the table of Communion (the Eucharist). This is the place where the boundaries of time and space are thinned that all of the people of the Body of Christ can be joined together in this fateful and binding meal of love.

    ※Reflection※

    • What does Communion (the Eucharist) mean to you? If you missed it, would it bother you? Would you go without it? Why?
    • What is your favorite meal experience? A restaurant? Thanksgiving? New Year’s? St. Patrick’s Day? Are any of these traditions for you and/or your family? Why?

    ※Prayer※

    Almighty Father, whose most dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it in thankful remembrance of Jesus Christ our Savior, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of life; and who lives and reigns with you and the , one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [Maundy Thursday Collect, Book of Common 2019]