Good Friday People - Last Suppers

Shiela Cassidy contemplates many of the last suppers of Salvadorian People who under the regime of oppressive governments would soon face incarceration, torture and even death. She writes These last suppers are important not just because they reassure us, unnervingly, of the humanity of those who died but because they were occasions on which important things were said.

She writes:

It is interesting to note the sequence of events at the Last Supper, “Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, saying “take and eat, this is My body.” Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.…This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Here in these verses below I find myself sat as if hearing Christ’s words for the first time.

The table spread with bread and wine

As friend with friend together dine.

Is more than just some earthly sign.

For there you stoop with grace divine

And take bowl, and towel sublime  

You wash each foot of follower-friend

As with no word to comprehend

The beauty of love’s cleansing grace

Within that upper room they trace

The gentle touch of your embrace

A final meal with broken bread

Of wine outpoured, betrayal dread!

What now the thoughts within each head.

As sacramental food they’re fed

How comes such love to stand instead?

His body broken; his blood shed!

As on to Calvary’s hill he’ll tread.

And though I fear what lies ahead

May I too sit at table spread

And see now bowed his sacred head

Lord Jesus Christ, life giving bread

You weep and cry as on you tread

To city streets with palms outspread

As there for me as prophet said

With arms outstretched dies in my stress.

© 2022 Paul Collings

Prayer

Comforter of widows,

Washer of feet,

show us how to care for each other

Teach us to love as you did: 

Unconditionally, unilaterally, .

without fear or favour,

pride, or prejudice.

Give us open hearts ,

and wise minds

and hands that are worthy

to serve in your name. Amen