Last Supper, Christ and St John, Chinese School, 18th Century
When we think of the disciples sleeping on Maundy Thursday, its in the garden of Gethsemane, unable to stay awake, as Jesus prays. But here we see John asleep at the table, exhausted no doubt from a long week, and a long evening of food, wine and conversation.
As he sleeps, Jesus seems to gently pray for him, his left hand lifted as if to bless him. In his right hand Jesus holds the bread. The bread that represents his body, given in love for his disciples, and for all of us.
Even when we are exhausted, when we have nothing left to give, Jesus watches over us. He blesses us, and offers us his life.
God our Father,
you have invited us to share in the supper
which your Son gave to his Church
to proclaim his death until he comes:
may he nourish us by his presence,
and unite us in his love;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Common Worship. Collect for Maundy Thursday.
Forty 100 word reflections for forty days of Lent (Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, excluding Sundays), using the forty images in the Face to Face with Jesus pack, available to purchase from St Clare’s Shop. Written by Rev Charlotte Gale.
