Maundy Thursday Revolutionary

Today is Maundy Thursday. It is set on Thursday in remembrance of the night before Jesus was crucified on the cross (which is known as Good Friday). On this night, Jesus had gathered with his disciples to celebrate the Passover. It was to be his last night alone with them; a night he perhaps tried to show them the full-extent of what he was about. They ate together, and he washed their feet. Everyone's. Including Judas.

I think it's interesting... in my reading today, I read ch. 4 of McLaren's THE SECRET MESSAGE OF JESUS. He says on p.32:

"Jesus says again and again, [his] kingdom advances with neither violence nor bloodshed, with neither hatred nor revenge. It is not just another one of the kingdoms of this world. No, this kingdom advances slowly, quietly, under the surface -- like yeast in dough, like a seed in soil. It advances with faith: when people believe it is true, it becomes true. And it advances with reconciling, forgiving love: when people love strangers and enemies, the kingdom gains ground."

"Violent revolutions, in this sense, aren't revolutionary. Noisy regime changes are utterly predictable - brought about by displays of power and hollow promises and indomitable wealth. In contrast, the message of Jesus may well be called the most revolutionary of all time..." Absolutely!

McLaren says on p.33: "Beleive this good news so you can learn to live by it and be part of the revolution." It's almost like he wrote this just for my blog. :)

And to finish off... on p.34 he ends the chapter with:

"Is it possible that the message of Jesus was less like an advertising slogan - obvious and loud - and more like a poem whose meaning only comes subtly and quietly to those who read slowly, think long and deeply, and refuse to give up?"

Wow... great chapter on a great day. I don't know why I like Maundy Thursday. It is a day filled with darkness and doubt; confusion and confession. At most services I've been a part of on this day, people generally aren't sure what to do: is it okay to talk; to laugh; do I really have to wash someone's feet - that sort of thing. But really, I think it's THE NIGHT when we are maybe most aware of the mystery of God. We realize we don't really know what He's doing... but we're here. We're ready. And we follow Jesus.

I look forward to taking communion tonight; eating a meal with some of the important people in my life; walking the stations of the cross; bending down and washing someone's feet, and hopefully submitting to a request to wash my feet.

This is what the revolution is about (to me). Peace, my friends.