Holy Thursday

Lord Jesus, you are the Lamb sent by God, the spotless one, unblemished and free from all sin. Though subject to all the temptations and trials of our fallen humanity, you remained pure in thought, word, and deed. No flaw can be found in you, who are pure love and complete holiness. You are the only one who could stand before God as our representative and offer yourself as a holy and living sacrifice for all of our sins and iniquities!

As God’s Lamb, you freely poured out your blood for us. It is your precious, undefiled blood that washes sin away from us. It is your blood that marks us as your own and protects us from eternal death. Though our sins are like a stain upon our soul, your blood makes us new and fresh and clean.

As God’s Lamb, you also allowed your body to be crucified and pierced for us. It is your very flesh, given to us in the feast of the Eucharist, that sustains us for our journey. As we partake of your body, you strengthen and comfort us in the long and sometimes difficult journey of our lives of faith. How amazing that you never tire of offering yourself to us, coming to us every time we remember and celebrate what you did for us on the cross.

Jesus, you are the humble Lamb of God who does not seek to exalt himself but lovingly lowers himself so that we can be exalted. Even when we make ourselves your enemy, you reach out to us, offering your cleansing and refreshing mercy. And not only do you forgive, you show us how to love our own enemies as we follow your example of humility.

Jesus, you are our Lamb, the one we procure for our household. We choose you and come to you so that we may be sprinkled with your blood and purified. We come to you so that we may eat your saving flesh and drink your holy blood. We come to you so that we can follow your example of humble service and love. We come to you with the whole assembly present to celebrate this Passover of the Lord, the fulfillment of all the promises of God, where our Paschal Lamb offered himself for us!

meditation: The Word Among Us

Image: The Passion of the Christ Movie