Maundy
Thursday is a day to meditate on the last supper and the washing of the
disciples' feet... events in which Jesus models for us the practice of
hospitality.
Today my wife and I attended a
Celebration of Life service of a long-time family friend -- a widow and
mother of three adult children. She passed away just over ten days ago
on a cloudy Sunday morning, to be in Jesus' presence.
Yesterday, we received in the mail a card that she wrote to us just days before her death.
She
had filled the entire inside surface of the card, her small handwritten
pen marks visibly shaky, a testimony to her failing strength. Her
words of gratitude, blessing, resolve, and hope brought tears to our
eyes. I hope that I too could face my final days this way -- with words
of thanksgiving and encouragement to those who will be left grieving.
By
her actions, even into her final hours, she showed a willingness to
practice hospitality; she created a place and a space in which we were
invited and felt welcome to receive grace.
We
received gracious other treats today, from others with a great sense of
hospitality; a neighbour and a friend both baked hot cross buns for us.
To receive these gifts was an incredible reminder that these small acts
of hospitality really matter -- that in fact they are not small at all.
I am grateful for the encouragement that I have received throughout today by the words and actions of others who sustain us and give us hope, and in turn give us the strength to be gracious to others in an often hostile world.
May the Spirit of God be with us as we remember Jesus' death and resurrection in the coming days.
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