Our Lenten Devotion for Thursday, March 10, comes to us from Steadfast Love which features reflections and prayers by Ed Arle and Gil Duchow with inspiration from the works of Henri J.M. Nouwen.
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26-28 NIV
“Poured Out”
“In the Eucharist, Jesus gives all. The bread is not simply a sign of his desire to become our food; the cup is not just a sign of willingness to be our drink. Bread and wine become his body and blood in the giving”
(from With Burning Hearts by Henri J.M. Nowen, page 68)
As I kneel at the altar waiting for the pastor to come my way, I often fidget. I know he’s getting close and before long, he will say, “Take eat; this is my body. This is my blood, given for you.” Those are not just the pastor’s words, those are Jesus’ words, and when I look into the pastor’s eyes at that moment, I see Jesus and I know he sees me. I recall visiting the nursing home where my mother spent her last months and days. She was lying still in a sleep state, no longer even able to open her eyes. Yet I remember nurses coming to feed her and quietly saying, “Here now. This is for you.” Then she would open her lips and sip by sip she would take it in, and I would remember Jesus.
Friends –
Henri J.M. Nouwen reminds us that NO MATTER who we are or what condition our lives seem to be in, God’s precious son’s life was given for us. The message is clear that each of us is beloved and blessed by God’s love through Jesus’ sacrifice.
A yard sign produced by one of our Greater Detroit District churches says, “God loves you and there is nothing you can do about it.” That reminds us that God’s grace is everywhere and always available to each and all of us.
--Pastor bea
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, before you left this earth, you left behind the gift that keeps on giving: your Body and your Blood. You gave it even to me. I thank you with all my heart. Amen.