Friday, March 25, 2005
Last Supper - Reflection
Dinner time with family is unpredictable. Sometime, the clashes of chopsticks and the bowl is the only source of vibration in the air, sometime it is laughters and excited tone, other time it is peppered with argument. I suppose when there is a gathering of people who are emotionally attached and connected, there will be resonance of emotions.
Jesus' last supper with His disciples is no difference. Read John 13, there were moment of silence, after He spoke of His betrayal. The disciples could only stare at each other (v22). There were moment of love, Jesus washed their feet, serve them bread and wine. Argument too, when they tried to find out who would be the greatest (Luke 22:24). Of course, sadness. So obvious it is when He was troubled in spirit (John 13:21). The paradox is the Supper is remembered as Jesus expression of love, it is also a place where human betrayal and selfishness. Judas betrayal. Disciples' greed for power. Disciples' hardness in head that kept them from appreciating Jesus heartache. Disciples unwillingness to clean each other feet until their Master did it. Where there is pain, hatred, selfishness, betrayal, as if it is all darkness, God's love glow there. God's answer to human ugliness is His love. The Church response to the world ought to follow the Master manner, to love.
I was reminded 2 nights ago by the preacher, Rev Chong, during the Holy Week service that Jesus loved Judas despite his plan to betray. He washed the pair of feet that is going to kick Him (v18). What I didn't know but now know, is that when Jesus dip the bread and passed to Judas, was an act of special affection. Up till then, Jesus was loving him and waiting to see him response and repent in the face of such love.
The Church is never without sin, just like the Last Super. Yet the Universal Church recognised it as a symbol of God's love. I can't be too hard on my fellow Christian. I can't hate them, condemn them, cos my Lord did not. I suppose there were time I was too hard or too I-am-holier-than-you attitude. I am too ready to say 'call himself/herself a Christian'. Lord, I am sorry.
There are people who are so hard to love, so easy to be indifference towards, Lord, I want to love them too.
I am like the disciples then, not worthy to sit on the same table as the Lord, but He included them, even Judas. I too, can partake in the Holy Communion, because He is love and full of grace.
My friends, pause to thank Him for His love and grace. Perhaps, you are facing situations where you don't know how to response. Maybe it is to response in love. Or it seem so dark. Then reach out, God's love is there for you to receive.
May His love enriches you this Good Friday and Easter.
tse horng blogged at 5:55 AM
