Some people responded to the pandemic by excessive panic buying, perhaps revealing a desperation to find security in surrounding ourselves with things. By contrast, there are many people facing financial difficulty and the need to rely on providence from others. Here, Jesus offers exactly what the disciples need – opportunity to commune and to remember. We reflect on different ways we’ve had fellowship and meal-sharing through the pandemic, and consider who provides for our needs and what Jesus offers us.
Bible reading: Mark 14:17-25 (NIV)
17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me – one who is eating with me.’
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, ‘Surely you don’t mean me?’
20 ‘It is one of the Twelve,’ he replied, ‘one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.’
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’
23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said to them. 25 ‘Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’
Voices: Here and there
Today’s here and there voices from Roots share the thoughts from a supermarket checkout worker and a servant girl in the upper room during the Last Supper.
Reflection:
1) Spend time sharing or reflecting on experiences of provision, need or grace (during the pandemic or otherwise).
2) If you had been there, how would you have felt receiving the bread and wine from Jesus?
3) What might we take forward with us from Jesus’ style of sharing meals and our changed patterns of fellowship at the moment?
Today’s reflection is from the Roots Here and There reflections for Lent. You can find the full text for the reflections for Holy Week plus suggestions for hymns, prayer and follow-up activity online at https://www.rootsontheweb.com/i-am-looking-for/resources-for-lent-2021
