At the Table of the Lord

The women have brought in the lamb, roasted and tender, the bitter herbs, the bread, the wine and the water. The cushions surround the low table, ready for the men to recline. The windows stand open to the soft night air. Outside the noise in the street has died down; everyone is preparing for the evening meal.

It is the Passover.

From downstairs come the sounds of the men entering, removing their sandals, shaking out their garments. They come up the stairs and enter the room, smiling at the women who await them, armed with basins and ewers, towels around their waists, ready to do battle with Jerusalem’s dirt. The men spread out around the room, waiting until they are all present.



The last of them enters the room, greeting the women by name, thanking them for the work they have done to prepare the meal. Mary moves toward him, setting down the basin, ewer at the ready. He stops her, takes an extra towel and ties it around his own waist. Ewer in hand, he turns to his friends.

“Who’s first?”

Simon looks at him in dismay.

“Master, are you going to wash my feet?”

But Judas looks on with satisfaction.

After they gather at the table, Jesus reaches for the bread, holds it in his hands. “Thank you, Abba, for this gift of bread which nourishes our bodies.” Then he breaks off a bit of the bread and hands the rest of the loaf to Simon, sitting at his side. “Whenever you At the Table of the Lord gather together to break bread, remember me and the goodness of God’s gift of life.”

When the loaf has gone around the table and all have taken a bit, he takes the cup, pours wine and then water. He lifts the cup in his hands. “Thank you, Abba, for this gift of wine which nourishes our spirits.” He takes a sip, then hands the cup to John. “Whenever you gather together to celebrate, in joy and in laughter, remember me and the goodness of God’s gift of joy. For wherever you are there I will be also. Blessed be God forever!”

From around the table and around the whole world the cry comes back:

Blessed be God forever!

Photo: John 13:1-10. Hole, William, 1846 - 1917