At the intersection of Mercy & Grace

Maundy Thursday

Watchword for Maundy Thursday — He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful. Psalm 111:4

Thursday, April 13 — Psalm 49:1–12

Job 15,16; Romans 16:8–20

Spare your people, O Lord, and do not make your heritage a mockery. Joel 2:17

Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (NKJV)

REFLECTION:

When we think of people who are "renown," we think of celebrities. And the things that make them celebrities? Their special skills, talents, and gifts. Robin Williams was famous because he was exceptionally funny. Bill Gates is famous because he was exceptionally successful (and now exceptionally generous). For every famous person I can think of, every person who has "gained renown," I could list for you the characteristics that brought them that renown.

I am struck by the "watchword" above; the extra reading from Psalm 111; that God's characteristics...those which have gained God renown throughout the world...are two things we all aspire to embody; Grace and Mercy.

Today, may that be our prayer. May we be gracious to those around us. May we be merciful. Those are easy to speak of with "easy" people, but may God bring those characteristics out of us in even the most difficult situations in our lives. May we be gracious when it would be easier to hold a grudge; may we be merciful when it would be easier to demand justice. That is what shows the world we are the followers of the One who even washes the feet of his disciples.

PRAYER:

Holy God, source and sovereign, on this Maundy Thursday we are reminded that all power and authority are placed into the hands of Christ. As we remember Christ who washed the feet of his disciples in humble service, may you teach us to love one another as Christ loved, so that everyone will know that we are his disciples; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts