Year A
Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 11:17-26
John 17:11-26

Love one another… these are powerful words… Jesus has finished his work on earth… and is spending his last hours with his disciples… his inner circle… they have gathered to share one last meal… and spend their precious remaining time together… Jesus uses this time however… to impart one more teaching… Jesus wants his disciples to carry on his ministry after his death… this includes loving and serving one another… and Jesus demonstrates this… by washing their feet…

I know that growing up my brother and I were fortunate to have parents who often taught by example –– not that we were stellar students or anything –– but as in many households… actions speak louder than words and children do “take notes.” Perhaps Jesus was hoping his disciples would do the same…

Jesus… the Son of God… emptied himself to become a servant… demonstrating God’s love… which is for all people. Jesus says… everyone will know you are my disciples if you love one another… and the neat thing about this… is that anyone who chooses to be Christ’s disciple or follower today… can still do so… it doesn’t take any special training or any college degree… and we can be creative… the ministry of serving and loving others can take many forms… this ministry does NOT depend on circumstances being “just right.” And we don’t have to be perfect people to do it… and the really good news… is that the light of love… and caring cannot easily be extinguished… not even by the darkness of COVID-19…

For John… the important part of the last meal and time together was the foot washing… other Gospel writers focused more on the Last Supper or the Institution of the Eucharist… and how Jesus used the bread and wine to demonstrate his love and sacrifice for mankind… his actions and instructions are described in our Epistle reading this evening…

Jesus broke bread… as his body would be broken… and he took and blessed wine representing his blood that would be shed for the sins of the world… this would now represent God’s new covenant with people through Christ… Jesus wanted the taking and consuming of the bread and wine to be repeated by believers “in remembrance of me.”

One commentator asked: “What should we actually be remembering? Of course… Jesus’  life, death, resurrection, and ascension… but anything else?”

Very importantly… the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for mankind –– past, present and future –– demonstrating God’s immeasurable forgiveness and love for all of us… along with that… perhaps… Christ’s life and teachings… examples that he gave of love and service to others… his healing of the sick… the blind and the deaf… and his concern and love for the outcasts… widows… and orphans…

So how might the Eucharist and foot washing fit together? Other than that they both took place in the last few hours of Christ’s life… in a secluded room with his disciples?  

One commentator put it this way:  “the spiritual force that brings us together at God’s Table… where we are forgiven, fed, and energized  –– is the same spiritual force which then propels us out into the world to serve… and to follow Jesus’ command to love one another by word and example: proclaiming Christ’s life… death… and resurrection until he returns… it’s a call to obedience… discipleship… and service.”

In vv. 17-23 of tonight’s Epistle… the verses preceding what’s designated for tonight… we hear that Paul had received word that the practice of the Eucharist… which he has handed on to the Corinthians… was not being done correctly… and was causing division… rather than bringing people together…

The Corinthians lived in a society that was dictated by social status… the wealthy citizens opened their homes to the community for a common meal and the Eucharist… but the wealthy would come early… bring food… eat… and get drunk… when the working class folk arrived… there was little if any food left… and the result was that the poorer citizens were marginalized… humiliated… and excluded… in many of the communities… there was little unity at these meals… and Paul was very upset… the idea of being unified  as God’s people… through Christ’s sacrifice… seemed to be null and void… there was more division than ever… and these social divisions were as inappropriate then… as they are today…

We are all God’s people… all Gods children.. And everyone who wants to be… ought to be welcomed at God’s Table… I really like it on Sundays when Fr. Mike says to the congregation before the administration of bread and wine: This is not an Episcopal table or a Lutheran table, this is God’s table, and no matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual journey you are welcome at this table…

Unfortunately… we will not be washing feet… sharing a meal at Table… or enjoying an agape meal together tonight… but remember… although COVID-19 may be limiting where we can meet… and may limit some of our church activities… it CANNOT limit our love and caring for one another… I believe that we are the Body of Christ whether we are under one roof… or like tonight… in our own homes… and that the spirit that draws us together at the Eucharist… also directs and guides us when we are apart… Jesus did not say… Love and care for one another only in church on Sundays… or only on Holy Days… he said: Love one another. … period.

We are certainly experiencing difficult times… and we are all in this pandemic together… we will get through this… but as we go about our lives at home please… if you can… reach out to those who may be alone or experiencing anxiety and fear… Something as easy as making a phone call and inquiring how someone is doing or feeling… and really listening to them can be helpful… many of us can send emails… we can support agencies that are providing food and other necessities… we can send messages of encouragement and hope.

We can pray for all those who are working on the front lines… and those who are directly affected by the virus and their families… we need to find different and creative ways to love and care for others –– and it is challenging… but many of you are already doing these things… and that is so wonderful! Thank you… may we all experience God’s love and peace in the days to come… and creatively share that love and peace with others… Amen.