Maundy Thursday (CL)

Matthew 26:14-35
14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’ ” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 26:14–35). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus Instituted the LORD's Supper at the celebration of the Passover meal with his disciples. The inclusion at the beginning of the betrayal of Judas is of some significance for the Passion narrative in Matthew. The Disciples gather together for this celebration while Judas is searching for an opportunity to betray Jesus. Judas then leaves before the celebration of the Lord's Supper takes place.

Now some could make a big deal about only the eleven Disciples taking part in the Last Supper with Jesus. But I think it is of some significance to talk about how we come to the celebration of the Lord's supper. Do we come to proclaim and remember Christ's passion and act for our salvation? Do we come with evil thoughts in our hearts and minds? St Paul tells us to examine ourselves.

Jesus has each of his disciples truly looking into their heart and examining themselves when he says, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." We have all betrayed our LORD one time or another. We have all turned our back on him. We have looked to our own power or strength. We have disobeyed his commands. We have sinned against God in thought, word and deed. Here examine yourselves. Have you betrayed the Christ like Judas? Have you betrayed Christ like Peter? Have you betrayed Christ?

We have denied him. But we come to him and beg his forgiveness. We come to him to ask him for salvation and hope. We come in search of the Lamb of God who will allow death to passover our heads. He offers to us not roasted Lamb, but his very flesh and blood to eat and to drink for the forgiveness of sins. This is not just a gift for the eleven but a gift for all who call upon his name. He offers here in this meal his very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.

PS: Alternative Gospel Lesson is John 13:1-20