Thursday before Easter, commonly called Maundy Thursday- I Cor. 11:23-26

 One reading for this day is I Corinthians 11:23 ff which is St. Paul's account of the Lord's Supper. Although Anglicans have sometimes had differing theological opinions about the Sacrament, we have been clear that this Sacrament instituted by our Lord is more than simply an act of remembrance. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away sin and death by offering Himself on the cross. Anglicans and most other Christians have agreed that in some mysterious and unique way, Jesus comes to be with us along with the consecrated bread and the wine.

The proper minister or celebrant uses Christ's Words of Institution to bless the bread and the wine and assures believers of Christ's living presence. Jesus brings us His forgiving and strengthening grace through the outward means that He established. We are tangibly offered grace whenever we observe the Lord's Supper/Holy Communion/Eucharist. We are called to repent and receive the Sacrament in faith and in reverence.

Hopefully, we can enjoy this great gift as we commemorate its institution on this Thursday of Holy Week. Unfortunately,, external circumstances or schedules make it impossible for some to gather and receive the Sacrament on this day. Yet, we can still meditate upon the Scriptural accounts and contemplate the Lord's Supper. Looking to past and future observances of the Sacrament, we can still pray for Christ to come and be with us wherever we are. Thanks be to God for Christ's special Presence in the Lord's Supper and for His spiritual communion with believers scattered throughout the world!

Thursday before Easter, commonly called Maundy - I Corinthians 11

All the days of Holy Week remind Christians of Jesus' Passion and Death,  but Maundy Thursday is primarily for the commemoration of the institution of the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, or the Eucharist. The Epistle in the BCP is from I Corinthians 11 and contains St. Paul's version of Christ's words of institution.  Theologians may discuss these words and their meanings, but on this day, we should sense that the Lord's Supper goes beyond academic discussions. Rather, these simple words are about the heart of Christian worship and devotion. The Eucharist focuses on the work of Jesus Christ for our salvation. It points us to His continuing offer of forgiveness and grace, and to our need for humble faith in His presence with us, especially as He comes to us through His Supper. "Let us give thanks unto our Lord God."

Maundy Thursday- I Corinthians 11

This Thursday in Holy Week has been called by several names (such as the Thursday before Easter or Holy Thursday), but in the English, the most common name has long been Maundy Thursday, derived from the Latin word mandatum, "command." Although there are several associations for the day, the chief theme is the commemoration of the institution of the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion or the Eucharist. 

The Prayer Book epistle for this day is from I Corinthians 11 and contains St. Paul's version of the words of institution of the Lord's Supper. These simple words are at the heart of Christian worship. Theologians have often discussed these words and disputed their exact meaning.. Although sacramental theology is an important topic, the significance of the Eucharist goes beyond academic discussions. In other words, the place of the Lord's Supper in Christian life has more to do with having faith in Jesus, obeying His words and seeking His grace than with human philosophy.

Some simple affirmations seem clear. First, Jesus Himself began and commanded His disciples to continue this sacred meal. Secondly, He related it to His death that was about to take place for human salvation. Thirdly, this commemoration of His death also points to His grace and living presence among His people through the blessed bread and wine. Fourthly, the Sacrament anticipates that Christ will come again in glory. 

Thus, the Eucharist is not some meaningless ceremony or vague symbolism. It is a concrete affirmation of Christ's living presence in our midst. In this holy Sacrament, Jesus Christ comes to His people, and through bread and wine, He offers us Himself. In this outward way, He keeps offering us His forgiving and strengthening grace.