Maundy Thursday, March 24

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Salt Lick Bar-B-Que in Driftwood, TX was how we remembered my grandmother. After her funeral, family members and friends caravaned out to the Texas hill country to feast on smoked brisket and sausage, slaw and sweet corn. We told stories about how my grandmother taught us table manners and encouraged us to follow our dreams. We laughed and cried some. And, boy, did we enjoy that meal.

My grandmother never told us to eat sausage or drink beer in remembrance of her. But we did it anyway. And it made sense. It brought back memories of my grandparents’ last anniversary and my cousin’s graduation party. The Salt Lick was where we’d go for big family gatherings, with all the aunts and uncles and cousins, and Gromma sitting at the head of the table, reminding us to take off our hats and keep our elbows off the table.

Jesus gives us the Eucharist (which comes from a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”), the Lord’s Supper, Communion, as a way to remember him and all he taught his disciples. Like our post-funeral gathering at the Salt Lick, this meal brings back stories and lessons. It builds us up and nourishes us for our life of faith. It is an experience of sorrow and great joy. It is a time for all the family to gather together, with Christ at the head of the table, reminding us to “Love one another as I have loved you.” And it is a meal we are invited to enjoy. We give thanks around the table for Christ’s life and sacrificial death, for his resurrection and our hope for eternal life through him. We give thanks for the lessons and stories, for the joy of this meal that unites us with all Christians in every time and place. Christians like my grandmother, who loved the Salt Lick, who loved Jesus, and who loved her family.

Today, may you remember special meals that help us to remember special people. May you give thanks for those people and those meals. And especially, I hope you will share in the feast which Christ has prepared, a meal of remembrance, of love and grace, of healing and hope. Come to the table, for all things are now ready.

Loving God, we thank you for the table at which we are nourished by your body and blood. We thank you for all who have shared in this feast and for uniting us with them and with you in this sacred meal. Thank you for all of the special meals that help us remember special people who now live with you eternally. Amen.

Rev. Amy Morgan