Three Days Away.

A Maundy Thursday Motivation.

The pinks and purples of dawn represented Maundy Thursday well. The photo was taken by my friend upon her waking. Followers of Holy Week have paused since the first century to reflect on this day. We remember the clanging dishes and difficult conversations around the Last Passover meal. Touching the damp beige colored linen that Christ used, we imagine him drying the disciples freshly washed feet.

But I feel ridiculously secular this morning. The spirituality of this Holy day isn’t reflected in mine.

It is now 3 days until we are wheels up for Israel. The task of weighing and listing (in carnet form) this great travel pile ismy day. My wish for a quiet place to ponder; a gentle summer forest or an espresso machine possessing monastery, will not be met.

Abigail, of the fourth century, had a day like mine. Her absence at tonight’s reminiscent dinner would be felt but she had hoped to be well on her way before dark. Until then, she had things to sort and pack into animal skin bags. Her important assignment was taking supplies to believers in need. She had to hurry because Ignatius was coming just after mid day. He was her faithful friend and would secure everything to their wooden cart. The stone road they would traverse was bumpy. Fear was beginning to creep in as she thought about passing under the arched gate that lead out of the city. She was anxious about that moment. It was there that Romans would require papers before she was allowed to head south from Byzantium. Rolled tightly and tucked into her top tunic, those papers were hidden for now. As she imagined her journey, the remoteness of the path ahead made her feel unsafe. Her faith was wavering.

“How could this day be holy?” she wondered.

Her fingers tightened then knotted the cotton string around one of the last bags.

Her soul longed to linger and remember. But her mission in Ephesus beckoned.

Then Jesus came to them and said,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28