Meditation:

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What must the disciples have thought as they gathered around the table that evening?  Here, in the midst of intimate moments of friendship, a profound act of service, and inspiring teaching, they were asked to acknowledge the impossible: a betrayal; the body of their friend, broken; his blood poured out.  We generally imagine meals with family and friends as happy occasions, but this one was different. Their normally boisterous and friendly table-banter is replaced by a quiet, solemn mood....a frightening revelation and somber truth.  Then after supper, Jesus and his disciples enter the Garden of Gethsemane where he is tempted by the Devil and surrenders his will to the Father.  Judas betrays Jesus and the authorities arrest him.  Through the events of this night, the apostles’ innocence was destroyed; their faith strangled; their hope betrayed.  The events of "Holy Thursday" represent reality crashing in on our hopes and dreams.  We confront the way things really are -- a new covenant, yes; but one purchased at a great price through betrayal, agony, and much suffering.  This is not what the disciples had hoped for and often not what we have hoped for; this is not the way it should have been -- not the way it ought to be. 

 

Reflection:

Spend some time now reflecting on your own life.  Take some time to journal and share answers with another person if possible.  

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* Where is the failure, the betrayal in your own life? 

* In what ways have you betrayed your hopes and dreams? 

* In what ways have you betrayed God’s hopes and dreams for you? 

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Prayer:

Offer spontaneous open and honest prayer to God regarding thoughts that came up in your reflection. 

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