Maundy Thursday

Passover

April 13, 2006

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

Love and Remembrance

Scholars have long debated whether this “last supper” is a Passover seder. In order to know what it is, perhaps it is helpful to know what it is not.

It is not a preparation for sacrifice. When a lamb or other animal was offered at the temple, it was presented as clean and without blemish. Yet here, instead of carefully washing and dressing the victim, the victim does this for the survivors! If this were a sacrifice, the person making the offering would place their hands upon the sacrificial animal. Yet here, it is Jesus who places his hands upon the ones to be saved. If it were a sacrifice, the lamb would be forgotten the moment it is killed and offered up. One might say that the blood purchases forgetfulness — the memory of sin is washed away. Yet here the lamb is remembered, not once, but again and again, each time disciples eat and drink together.

It is also not simply a celebration of Jesus’ importance. Taking the towel and the water, living out servant leadership, Jesus is saying “It’s not just about me — it’s about you.”

It’s not about your delusions of grandeur and fantasies of perfection (see the dialogue with Peter, John 13:6-9). It’s about you as you really are and about how you will be. It’s not about fleeing from the oppressor into the wilderness. You will be freed from the oppressor whether you stay in Jerusalem, go back home to Galilee, or let your feet carry you to the center of the empire. It’s about your beautiful feet! How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the gospel of peace! (see Isaiah 52:7)

It’s about the messenger and the message.

For John, this is not a Passover. The angel of death will not pass over this chosen one. Many of those present at the meal also will go on to persecution and execution. Unlike the Passover, this is not a meal eaten in haste. There is all the time in the world.

Hear what Jesus is saying. You want to remember me? Come together, give thanks, share a meal. But come together. You want to be one of mine? Then love one another. Your love for me — and for each other — is what will conquer all.

Remember me… Remember me…

The Reflection for Maundy Thursday was prepared by Paul Bellan-Boyer, who serves as Parish Deacon at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Jersey City, NJ (ELCA), and is a psychoanalyst in private practice, working with children and adults.