St. Nicolai Notes

Lenten Prayer - Day 38 - Maundy Thursday (April 1, 2021)
Gospel Reading: Mark 14:12-26

     Jesus, You constantly gave of yourself, throughout your ministry, through preaching and teaching, through acts of healing and liberation, as well as through faithful companionship and acts of service. Now, on the night of your betrayal, You offer yourself in bread and wine, body and blood. You give these in preparation for your complete self-giving through death on a cross.

     Jesus, You amaze in many ways, but perhaps most amazing is that You give yourself completely for those who will, in your greatest hour of need, desert, deny and betray You, - your friends who know You best. 

     It shames us to realize that we, too, often return desertion, denial, and betrayal for your compassionate companionship. We have sold You. We have denied your name, to our shame. We have fled into the night to hide ourselves from danger. We have chosen our own agendas and our own security over companionship and solidarity.  

     Jesus, we are thankful that in your suffering and death, You did not betray, deny, or desert us, but acted out of great friendship and love for us. Amen.