This week, we celebrate Holy Week either at the Cathedral or in school. For those who are tutors, you will have heard the explanation of the service in assembly. At the end of this devotional, there is a link to a video that can be watched, to make the process of the day clearer.
But the why, is more important than the what. When we know why we celebrate the Eucharist, we will hopefully have a clearer understanding of the Cathedral service experience.
In John 19, we read of the final moments, before Jesus gave up his spirit.
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Eucharist, which means thanksgiving, is a time to remember that Jesus dies and rose again, for all. When Jesus’ early followers met together they were encouraged to remember too.
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. ”In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. ”For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Our Cathedral service and the Eucharist is a time to remember. For those in our school community who have been confirmed in the Anglican faith, or who take communion in their church, or have a personal faith, that is centred on the forgiveness that comes through Jesus’ sacrifice – please take the elements. If you have a different faith, we encourage all to come to front and either receive a blessing, or take a moment to reflect on your own faith journey. We use this moment as a time to remember what it is that we put our faith in.
