Last Supper; Matthew's Account

Maundy Thursday, April 5 – Read Matthew 26:17-75

This is the more familiar account of the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas’ betrayal, Jesus’ arrest and questioning before the Council, and Peter’s denial. It begins with Jesus sharing a meal he has longed to eat and in the process giving his future followers the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Although the sacrament will eventually become a source of great strength and inspiration in the life of his Church, on this night the meal dissolves into a night of betrayal and denial, when evil strikes the shepherd and the sheep scatter. Judas slinks away to betray Jesus. In the Garden, Jesus wishes that there was another way for him instead of the way of the cross. While he is praying for God’s guidance and strength, his human followers fall asleep. Peter promises to die with him if necessary, but denies him three times. All his followers desert him to save their lives. And Jesus is finally left in the hands of those who long to kill him.

Reflection Question: Betrayal, denial, desertion… on Maundy Thursday we must all ask ourselves, “How am I like Jesus’ followers?”

Prayer: Dear God, you know me inside out. You know all the ways that I desert Jesus when the chips are down. Forgive me. Strengthen me. Call Jesus to come to life inside me. Amen.