Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday

by Malcolm Guite

Here is the source of every sacrament,

The all-transforming presence of the Lord,

Replenishing our every element,

Remaking us in his creative Word.

For here the earth herself gives bread and wine,

The air delights to bear his Spirit’s speech,

The fire dances where the candles shine,

The waters cleanse us with his gentle touch.

And here he shows us the full extent of love

To us whose love is always incomplete,

In vain we search the heavens high above,

The God of love is kneeling at our feet.

Though we betray him, though it is the night.

He meets us here and loves us into light.

On this Maundy Thursday, we encourage everyone to seek ways to serve one another, whether that be through a shared meal, an act of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply showing love however the Spirit makes it plain. As our focus this month has been on the spiritual discipline of community, we remember that just as Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, so we too, as we follow in his footsteps, are called to serve. What more beautiful picture is there of fellowship than that of a community coming together to serve one another and show one another honor and love in this way?