Father, Forgive Them...

At our Good Friday service this evening, we sang songs about the cross, read the story of Jesus' crucifixion, and meditated on the stations of the cross. For me, it was a moving and powerful experience that brought tears to my eyes. I was especially struck by Jesus' words, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." Forgiveness is a hard thing even in the best of circumstances. And pretty much every instance of forgiveness I can think happens after the fact. Someone wrongs you, you are hurt and upset, and eventually you are able to forgive. Here I recall Gregory Jones' definition of forgiveness as more than simply not wishing harm upon someone, but as truly desiring their good and their benefit.

But at his crucifixion, Jesus offered this forgiveness while the people were doing him wrong and harm, while he was suffering and dying. What an amazing testament to our Lord and Savior, and what a high calling we now have placed upon us.

The Last Supper

At our Maundy Thursday service this evening, I talked about last meals and mentioned what some people from history and from movies chose as their last meals. Then I asked what we would choose to do for our last meal. Finally, I talked about what Jesus did at his last meal. He shared in the Passover meal and transformed it into a powerful symbol for us as his future followers: the bread, his body; the cup, his blood. He ate with his disciples: those whom he loved and cared about and acted as representatives for all of humanity. And he chose to serve them by washing their feet. Jesus' last meal was an act of love. Will his example of service and our sharing in his body and blood inspire us to live our lives as an act of love?