Maundy Thursday

Today is Maundy Thursday. At 7:30 this evening we will open the doors of Eliot Church to celebrate communion together. The congregation tonight will be small. While some folks, no doubt, aren't interested in attending, others will not be there merely because of the complications of their schedules. Thursday evening, after all, isn't the easiest time to be out, particularly if one has kids! We will, of course, keep them in our hearts so their spirits will at least be with us.

To me, this evening has to do with the building of community in the face of difficulty, darkness and death. The first last supper wasn't done in anticipation of the resurrection so much as in vague anticipation of a still-undefined tragedy. These few days before Easter (for me) are for reflecting on death and suffering and on how we can reach out to those who journey with us. My thoughts tonight will be with those who are in need. Those needs, for many are physical or financial, but they may be spiritual, too. I will also be thinking of my fellow liberal Christians who also take the time to observe this Holy Week.

Here are some resources on today: Philocrites, BBC, Catholic Encyclopedia

I will leave you with a prayer by Augustine that I will be reading tonight. I found it in "The Thought of God" a Lenten Manual by Palfrey Perkins.

Blessed are all they, our God and King, who have traveled over the tempestuous sea of our mortality, and have at last come into the port of quiet and felicity. Cast a gracious eye upon us who are still in our dangerous voyage; strengthen us when we are exposed to the rough storms of trouble and temptation; defend us from our own negligence and cowardice and from treachery of our unfaithful hearts. And grant, O Lord, that in thy good time, we may bring our vessel safe into our desired haven.

Amen