It is a celebration. Nevertheless, it is not quite solemn. Because they are not completely free. But they hope to start their journey to Canaan, the land of promise.
In addition to it they have to celebrate this festival in a hurry. It is not the time to celebrate long as they have so little time. They had to eat the food, as reinforcement or as a backup for the journey. They had no time to prepare it properly. Moreover they are in fear, because they can feel the death outside their doors.
Bitter herbs and unleavened bread ... These represent the bitterness of her life, the scarcity of time ... This Passover is a celebration of togetherness and the Israelites celebrate it as God had wished.
From this table from the Old Testament times, we come to another table.
As we see Jesus and his disciples are gathered around this table.
Outside - in Jerusalem, people are celebrating the great holiday - Passover.
Jesus and his friends are gathered here to celebrate it.
The festival hall and food are available.
But even here the mood is not so solemn ...
The disciples do not understand it – what is happening or what may happen - completely. A shade of sadness and farewell covers the heart and the celebration.
We see, Jesus assumes the Main role, even if he is not the oldest in the group. But as the Master, he has the right to preside the celebration.
He is not talking about the traditional History of Passover lead by Moses and Aaron. He gives his disciples a new story ...
They should carry on this for further life... it is their new celebration ... It is the food for the body and soul.
They get a new job ... a new ceremony to remember...
They need not to kill a lamb ... For He is the perfect Lamb, became victim once and for all.
He is a sign. It is a sign ...
Jesus does not think on the hard times to come. But he makes his farewell something eternal. He remains joyful to the end of his life.
Yes, he was really a strong, a brave man!
Maundy Thursday:
We too celebrate a feast on this day.
Then the Holy Eucharist was instituted for us on this day...
Jesus and his presence is the specialty of this sign.
We receive Him in Holy Communion. His power gives us courage.
His positive and courageous outlook on life, is transformed to us though the communion.
Beloved sisters and brothers,
Holy Thursday is telling us:
Our life is – even if there are many painful times - a celebration.
Bitter herbs unleavened bread stands for the pain and uncertainty and parting and all such negative feelings in our life.
However, we have a reason to be happy - as God wishes, to perceive, to respect our life worthy.
This day reminds us.
Our lives should have this celebration ... a celebration with God and man should be there.
Let us truly take our lives positive and uplifting.
His table will bless the pains and all negative experiences of our life and will empower us to live with them in peace.
God bless us and give us a strong and jouyous heart. Amen.
-Fr Thomas Kalathil
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