Read Today’s Scripture
“Servants.”
No doubt, there’s a direct theological connection between today’s Exodus and Luke readings. Exodus describes the institution of the first covenant, Passover—a lamb is sacrificed and its blood saves Israel (Ex 12:11-14). Luke describes the institution of the new covenant, Eucharist—Jesus, the Lamb of God, is sacrificed and his blood saves the world (Lk 22:14-20). Notice what’s not in these passages: Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. That passage (from John’s Gospel) will be narrated and enacted at today’s Maundy Thursday services. However, both foot-washing and last supper reveal something unique about Jesus’ identity. He’s the servant. He comes not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (Mk 10:45). Now, it’s easy for us Episcopalians/Anglicans to over-ritualize sacraments. We forget that the sacraments point to something deeper—they call us to become servants like Jesus, like God. And this servanthood looks like dying and rising with God. We may not want to die, let alone die with God. But If God is willing to serve us and die for us, and God is greater than us, then it means that death is not beneath our status. In fact, to not die with God is to imply we are somehow better than God, and we can rise apart from him. Therefore, this Maundy Thursday, as we witness the washing of feet and the serving of the Lord’s Supper, let’s reshape our lives reflect that we are his servants. Let those of us who are great become low, and those of us who are leaders, become servants. Because God is among us as one who serves (Lk 22:26-27).
Collect
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, did institute the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may thankfully receive the same in remembrance of him who in these holy mysteries giveth us a pledge of life eternal, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.