From Today’s Gospel:
“Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to pass from this world to the Father. He had always loved those who were his in the world, but now he showed how perfect his love was.”
Journeying through the Triduum
Over the last few weeks, you’ve accompanied us as we’ve introduced you to Qusai, Koffi, Therese, Rose, Hassan-Ali, Ufouma and Kim. You’ve walked with them in moments of despair and joy, as they have faced betrayal and kindness in equal measure. This journey has brought you to The Passion.
Tonight’s liturgy begins with a gentle act of service and love at the Last Supper; and ends with the watch, as we accompany Jesus to the garden.
We invite you to spend some time watching at the end of Mass today. In the quiet, allow the stories of those you’ve met on this journey to come to mind.
Phil Harrison SJ has recently joined the JRS team. In the reflection below, he draws the stories of those we’ve met into the first person.
As you watch with Christ in the garden, how does his reflection speak to you?
—
Say goodbye to suspicion, say goodbye to despair, say goodbye to hate.
Say goodbye to these three things and I will be revealed in your midst. When suspicion, despair and hate have left the room, I will enter, although cautiously because you may not recognise me at first.
I am the one you have passed in the street, I am the one you ignored as I slept on a bed of concrete and nails, I am the one who has been serving you all this time, though you did not know it was me. I am the guest you did not invite, but I have come to invite you to the banquet prepared in the Kingdom of God at which all may rejoice. I will show you that suspicion, despair and hate can never have the last word.
Prayer for the Day
You can catch JRS UK’s Director, Sarah Teather, on BBC Radio 4 each morning this week as she presents Prayer for the Day.
Today, Sarah talks about encountering a tender love from a surprising source.
