Maundy Thursday – Darkness comes

Luke 22: 49-43

⁴⁹ When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, ‘Lord, should we strike with the sword?’ ⁵⁰ Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. ⁵¹ But Jesus said, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched his ear and healed him. ⁵² Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? ⁵³ When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!’

Thought for Maundy Thursday

There are times when most of us will have faced moments that are bleak and seemingly without the presence of light. Maundy Thursday must have been one of those such times for Jesus. At the point of his arrest, Jesus hands over the control of his destiny to others. He is passed from Jewish authorities to the power of Rome, who in turn handed him to Herod, who after mocking him handed him back. It is if no one quite wanted to take responsibility for this particular prisoner’s death. As we reflect on not being in control, I am reminded of Rowan Williams’ observation that most human beings crave control and act as if we are in complete charge of our destiny. Jesus’ willingness to hand himself over stands in stark contrast to how we live our lives at times. As we watch him passed from pillar to post, let us ask ourselves when was the last time we rejoiced because we were not in control.

Prayer

God of hope and powerlessness

God of grace and glory

Help us to be vulnerable

In the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.