by our Lord's command

"....by our Lord's command"

Even as I write that phrase, I realize how foreign it is, how rarely we Americans do anything by anyone's command.  (Our military, of course, would have a different experience and would be a good conversation partner in this reflection.  However, our military live in a very different world than most other Americans).

The Thursday of Holy Week is called Maundy Thursday.  The word 'maundy' comes from the Latin word for 'command.'  This is a command performance, a command gathering, an act of obedience.

And what is it we do?  We gather around the most simple of food to become a part of a meal -- a story-- which began before time, includes us, and invites in the future as well.  Bread and wine, by our Lord's command. 

It is also the day when absolution for sins is offered individually as a part of the gathered worship.  Here too our Lord commands for the presiding clergy says,  "In accordance with our Lord's command, I forgive you all your sins."

Both parts of that statement always bring me up short.  I wonder if, in fact, I understand myself to be under our Lord's command each day of my life, in each of my actions, in my planning for the future.  And I wonder about the sins that are left with me as each person receives God's gracious forgiveness.  Does each person experience a lightening of their burden?  Does each person remember where and who takes on the brokenness of the other?  Does each person, even in the midst of this outrageous, violent week, experience a new beginning for their lives?

I believe it is a good thing for us to get back in touch with "our Lord's command."

Lord, have mercy +