Thought for the Month

"‘This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. ‘Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’" (1 Cor.11:25 RSV)

There are only two outward symbols we are asked to carry out. The first is to symbolise our consecrated life to follow the Lord by water immersion. Another is to take the unleavened bread and "fruit of the vine" as a memorial to our Lord and his sacrificial death giving his life for us at this time of year.

There are other events that loom large in the British calendar that are given national and statutory bank holidays such as Christmas Day as well as Easter Monday because Easter Sunday falls on a Sunday not forgetting Good Friday. In the old days we used to keep Whitsun or White Sunday for Pentecost till it was changed to a fixed date on the last Monday in May like the Trooping of the Colour is fixed in June to celebrate the monarch’s birthday even though King Charles’ birthday is in November.

The disciples knew of the Passover, and it was important for everyone to be in Jerusalem for it. Hence "the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where would you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?’" (Matt.26:17 ESV) Therefore they "did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover." (v.19)

Institution of the Memorial of Jesus’ death

"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.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying "‘Drink of it, all of you. for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 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." (vv.26‑29 ESV)

This is the only time of year that Jesus told us to observe individually and collectively. Let us endeavour to prepare our hearts and minds.