Scripture
Old Testament: Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14
Psalter: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-29
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel: Mark 14:10-72
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Prayer
God of the covenant, as we celebrate the beginning of the paschal feast, we come to the table of the Lord in whom we have salvation, life, and resurrection. Renew the power of this mystery in our service to one another and to you, so that with Christ we may pass from this life to the glory of your kingdom. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)
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Reflection
There are those looking to get rid of Jesus. In cleansing the Temple, Jesus has pronounced God’s judgment upon it. For the religious leadership this was the final straw. They now look for a way to kill him, but given that the Passover is upon them, they need to exercise caution; messianic fervor and national pride is running high, and the last thing the chief priests and the teachers of the law want is an uprising that will result in a Roman crackdown.
PRAYER: Eternal God, in the sharing of a meal your son established a new covenant for all people, and in the washing of feet he showed us the dignity of service. Grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit these signs of our life in faith may speak again to our hearts, feed our spirits, and refresh our bodies. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)
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