Thurs, March 28, 2024

Receive

The Rev. Rob Stevens

The Rev. Rob Stevens reflects on the Gospel of John 13:1-17, 31b-35; Appointed for use on Maundy Thursday. Today we hear the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, a story which encapsulates Jesus’ entire ministry. There is the invitation, an act of service, to wash your feet, and then there's an acceptance of this gift when Peter’s resistance gives way to the Lord’s demand to receive it. The receiving and accepting of this gift is what makes space for the response to that gift, which is to serve and to love.

This is the circle of life that God wants for us:

we are invited, we receive, we give;

we are invited, we receive, we love;

we are invited, we receive, we serve.

As we enter into this most holy of weeks, into these Three Great Days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, I invite you to contemplate how you have been invited. Are we like Peter, resisting the gift? Is it easier to be a helper, a do-er? May we not only be invited but truly receive that gift of love from God, and following Jesus’ example, turn to the world to love and serve.