Maundy Thursday

Agape Meal

April 9 2020

All are standing as able around their dinner table.

Officiant: Light and Peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

Reader: This is what we have heard from him and are declaring to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in him at all. If we say that we share in God’s life while we are living in darkness, we are lying, because we are not living the truth. But if we live in light, and he is in light, we have a share in each other’s life. And the blood of Jesus, his son, cleanses us from all sin.

Officiant: Almighty, everlasting God, let our prayer in your sight be as incense, the lifting up of our hands as the evening sacrifice. Give us grace to behold you, present in your Word and Sacraments, and to recognize you in the lives of those around us. Stir up in us the flame of that love which burned in the heart of your Son as he bore his passion, and let it burn in us to eternal life and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Agape Meal Begins

Please be seated, and let us begin our Agape Meal together.

Opening Hymn: Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place,

I can feel His mighty power and His grace.

I can hear the brush of angel's wings

I see glory on each face;

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

Collect of the Day

Officiant: The Lord be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

Officiant: Let us pray.

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that as we gather in our households we may remember these great gifts of love by Jesus Christ our Lord, and follow his great command to love one another as he eternally loves us all; who has given himself for the whole world, and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Blessing Over the Food

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe. You have blessed the earth to bring forth food to satisfy our hunger. Let this food strengthen us in the fast that is before us, that following our Savior in the way of the cross, we may come to the joy of his resurrection. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.

After a few minutes, this excerpt from the Gospel of Luke and this prayer are read.

Luke 22:7-19

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.’ They asked him, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for it?’ ‘Listen,’ he said to them, ‘when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, “The teacher asks you, ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ ” He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.’ So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’

Blessing Over The Wine

Let us pray.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe. You create the fruit of the vine; We thank you, O our Father, for the holy vine of David which you have made known to us through your Son Jesus. Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.

People who have wine at their tables take a drink of wine, and continue to eat – reserving some bread and wine to share at the end of the meal.

After a few minutes the Hebrew scripture is read.

Exodus 12:1-14

¹The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, ² “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. ³ Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for a household. ⁴ And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. ⁵ Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, ⁶ and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. ⁷ “Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. ⁸ They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. ⁹ Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. ¹⁰ And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. ¹¹ In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord's Passover. ¹² For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. ¹³ The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. ¹⁴ “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.

Psalm 78:14-25

The Psalm may be read verse by verse, begun by the hosting site and then moving from household to household, each household reading a verse together before the next household.

¹⁴ He divided the sea and let them go through; *

he made the waters to stand in a heap.

¹⁵ In the daytime he led them with a cloud, *

and all the night through with a light of fire.

¹⁶ He split the hard rocks in the wilderness *

and gave them drink in abundance, as out of the great deep.

¹⁷ He brought waters out of the stony rock, *

so that it gushed out like the rivers.

¹⁸ Yet for all this they sinned more against him, *

and provoked the Most High in the wilderness.

¹⁹ They tested God in their hearts *

and demanded food for their craving.

¹⁹ They spoke against God, saying, *

“Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?

²⁰ Indeed, he smote the stony rock, so that water gushed out, and the streams overflowed; *

but can he give bread also, or provide meat for his people?”

²¹ When the Lord heard this, he was full of wrath; *

so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and there flared up fierce anger against Israel,

²² Because they did not believe in God, *

and did not put their trust in his help.

²³ So he commanded the clouds above *

and opened the doors of heaven.

²⁴ He rained down manna upon them to eat *

and gave them food from heaven.

People continue to eat – reserving some bread and wine to share at the end of the meal. After a few minutes, the reading from the Gospel of John is read.

John 13:1-15

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. ² During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, ³ Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, ⁴ rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. ⁵ Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. ⁶ He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” ⁷ Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” ⁸ Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” ⁹ Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” ¹¹ For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” ¹² When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? ¹³ You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. ¹⁴ If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. ¹⁵ For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

The Homily

by The Rev. Ronald J. Baillie, Rector

The Hand-washing

A Rite of Self-Offering in Times of Pandemic

People in their homes move back from their tables to wash their hands. During this time, hymns or songs may be sung and music may be played.

Officiant:

On this night, we recall the night that Jesus, at supper with his disciples, poured himself out as an oblation, a complete self-offering of love and service through the humble act of washing the disciple’s feet.

In these days of pandemic, we continue to offer ourselves in love and service as Jesus did, for the sake of the most vulnerable among us. And so, in an act that we may formerly have been undertaken as a self-protective and antiseptic act, we open ourselves to the transforming power of God in what is now for us a sacred act of hand-washing. We do this not for ourselves, but in love and self-offering to every person we meet and especially for the most vulnerable among us.

We begin by washing, as we were washed in our baptism. We cleanse our hands as we were cleansed in the waters of new birth. We do this not because we are afraid, but because we were commanded to love, and to cleanse our hands, and gather in spirit. This how we love the vulnerable, whom Jesus loved. May we be instruments of love.

May the sacrifices we make be for the good of our human family near and far.

One by one, each person present prayerfully washes their hands thoroughly and intentionally, with soap and water,

not for themselves but sacrificially for the sake of every vulnerable person.

Officiant:

Almighty, everlasting God, let our prayer in your sight be as incense, lifting up of our hands as the evening sacrifice. Give us grace to behold you, present in your Word and Sacraments, and to recognize you in the lives of those around us. Stir up in us the flame of that love which burned in the heart of your Son as he bore his passion, and let it burn in us to eternal life and to the ages of ages. Amen.

People return to their tables, and finish their meals together.

When people have regathered at their tables, this excerpt from the Gospel of Luke and this prayer are read.

Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

‘But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!’ Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.’

Blessing Over The Bread

Let us pray.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe. You bring forth bread from the earth. We thank you, O our Father, for the life and knowledge which you make known to us through your Son Jesus. On this night we remember his giving of himself to us as the bread of life and cup of salvation. As grain scattered upon the earth is gathered into one loaf, so gather your Church in every place into the kingdom of your Son. To you be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.

People share their remaining bread and the wine in their cups.

The Prayers of the People

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth, sky and sea.

We thank you, Lord.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ,

We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families and for our friends,

We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think and hearts to love and hands to serve,

We thank you, Lord.

For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity,

We thank you, Lord.

For all the seekers after truth, liberty and justice,

We thank you, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places, above all we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

We thank you Lord for all the blessings of this life, especially…

For all of these things,

We thank you, Lord.

Let us pray to God, who alone makes us dwell in safety:

For all who are affected by coronavirus, through illness or isolation or anxiety, that they may find relief and recovery:

Lord, hear us,

Lord, graciously hear us.

For those who are guiding our nation at this time, and shaping national policies, that they may make wise decisions:

Lord, hear us,

Lord, graciously hear us.

For doctors, nurses and medical researchers, that through their skill and insights many will be restored to health:

Lord, hear us,

Lord, graciously hear us.

For the vulnerable and the fearful, for the gravely ill and the dying, that they may know your comfort and peace:

Lord, hear us,

Lord, graciously hear us.

For all those who suffer and are in any need or trouble this night, especially…

Lord, hear us,

Lord, graciously hear us.

We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Confession and Absolution of Sin

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

(Silence)

The people kneel as able and pray

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

The Bishop or Priest stands and says:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him.

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15

The Peace

Peace is my last gift to you, my own peace I now leave with you; peace which the world cannot give, I give to you.

I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.

Peace is my last gift to you, my own peace I now leave with you; peace which the world cannot give, I give to you.

By this shall the world know that you are my disciples: That you have love for one another.

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And with your spirit.

Closing Hymn: Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found,

was blind but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed!

The Lord has promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

he will my shield and portion be

as long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

I have already come;

‘tis grace that brought me safe thus far,

and grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun;

we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

than when we’d first begun.

Cleaning of Tables

People clear their tables completely, in silence. At this time, the altar in the church may also be cleared and cleaned.

After some minutes in silence, during the cleaning, Psalm 22 may be recited or chanted.

Psalm 22

¹ My God, my God, why have you forsaken me, *

and are so far from my cry, and from the words of my complaint?

² O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not hear; *

in the night season also, but I find no rest.

³ But you remain holy, *

enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

⁴ Our fathers hoped in you; *

they trusted in you, and you delivered them.

⁵ They called upon you, and were delivered; *

they put their trust in you, and were not confounded.

⁶ But as for me, I am a worm, and no man, *

scorned by all, and the outcast of the people.

⁷ All those who see me laugh me to scorn; *

they curl their lips, and shake their heads, saying,

⁸ “He trusted in God, that he would deliver him; *

let him deliver him, if he will have him.”

⁹ But you are he that took me out of my mother’s womb; *

you were my hope, when I was yet upon my mother’s breasts.

¹⁰ I have been cast upon you ever since I was born; *

you are my God, even from my mother’s womb.

¹¹ O go not far from me, for trouble is near at hand, *

and there is none to help me.

¹² Many oxen have come around me; *

fat bulls of Bashan close me in on every side.

¹³ They gape at me with their mouths, *

like a ravening and a roaring lion.

¹⁴ I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; *

my heart also in the midst of my body is like melting wax.

¹⁵ My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my gums, *

and you bring me into the dust of death.

¹⁶ For many dogs have come about me, *

and the council of the wicked lays siege against me.

¹⁷ They pierced my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones; *

they stand staring and looking upon me.

¹⁸ They part my garments among them, *

and casts lots for my clothing.

¹⁹ But be not far from me, O Lord. *

You are my succor; hasten to help me.

²⁰ Deliver my soul from the sword, *

my life from the power of the dog.

²¹ Save me from the lion’s mouth, *

and my soul in misery from among the horns of wild oxen.

²² I will declare your Name to my brethren; *

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.

²³ O praise the Lord, you that fear him; *

magnify him, all you seed of Jacob, and fear him, all you seed of Israel.

²⁴ For he has not despised nor abhorred the low estate of the poor; *

he has not hidden his face from him, but when he called unto him, he heard him.

²⁵ My praise is of you in the great congregation; *

my vows will I perform in the sight of those who fear him.

²⁶ The poor shall eat and be satisfied; *

those who seek after the Lord shall praise him; may your hearts live for ever.

²⁷ All the ends of the world shall remember, and be turned unto the Lord, *

and all the families of the nations shall worship before him.

²⁸ For the kingdom is the Lord’s, *

and he is the Governor among the peoples.

²⁹ All those who sleep in the earth, how shall they worship him? *

All those who go down into the dust, how shall they kneel before him?

³⁰ But my life shall be preserved in his sight, and my children shall worship him;*

they shall tell of the Lord to the generations to come;

³¹ And to a people yet unborn shall they declare his righteousness, *

that he has brought it to pass.

People regather, standing, at their tables, view an image together of the cross or of the first station in Stations of the Cross, and one by one close their internet connection in silence.

The host closes the site last.