HOLY WEEK MEDITATIONS | Thursday: "The Passover with the Disciples" Matthew 26: 17-25 | Thursday, April 14, 2022

The Passover with the Disciples - Matthew 26: 17-25
17 On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal.

20 When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve;[c] 21 and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” 25 Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”

*Moment of Reflection: *
Jesus took his place at the table with the disciples: twelve imperfect and flawed friends and followers and one who he knew would betray him. This text reminds us that we all have a place at the table no matter how imperfect or flawed we are, even if we have sinned against God. When we repent, we know God promises to forgive us. We are recipients of the unconditional love and grace of Jesus.

Questions for Reflection:
How does it feel to know that you have a seat at the table of grace? How can you respond to that in the way you live your life?

*Prayer: *
Most holy and faithful God, we thank you that you are faithful to us even when we are not faithful to you. We thank you that you accept each one of us, imperfect and flawed, and call us your children. Help us to live as a loved and forgiven people, extending love and grace to others. Amen.