Jesus' Hospitality

Thursday is of particular significance. We call it Maundy Thursday after the Latin root for 'command.' That's because, during his last meal, Jesus commanded us to break bread and share wine in memory of all he had done. That meal is called the Last Supper (literally the last meal Jesus ate before he was crucified), and we celebrate it as the Lord's Supper (or Eucharist).

Meals are at the heart of Jesus' earthly life and ministry. He loved hospitality and fellowship and used it to form communities of disciples. He was notorious for breaking bread with sinners and tax collectors; for miraculously generating food where there was hunger and thirst; for giving wedding parties more than they could have hoped for. However, his last meal goes beyond all such moments. It reminds us of the most well-known Psalm. A Psalm of comfort is consistently read and sung at funerals.

Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepherd - finishes with an image that most people miss or gloss over: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." This reminds us that no matter our circumstances, God is with us.

At the Last Supper, this was especially significant. Alongside Jesus, eating and drinking with him at the table, was Judas, the betrayer. Even at Jesus' last meal - his goodbye to his closest friends - he faced betrayal. He knew what Judas would do, but he still invited him. Still sat and spoke with him; ate with him. This Easter, may you have the courage to sit with those you feel let down by, hurt, or even betrayed. May you find opportunities to offer them hospitality and to love them. May God grant you peace as you do so, and may your cup overflow.

Reverend Stephen

Chaplain