L: My Sisters and brothers, Christ shows us his love by becoming a humble servant. Let us draw near to God and confess our sin in the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.
P: On this night of nights, the Israelites waited with bated breath the sing of God’s redemption. They readied themselves to escape from Egypt at a moment’s notice. We have been readying ourselves for this night as well during the past 40 days. We anticipation the presence of Christ and confess our trepidation. Like those gathered with him at the table we are not confident in our ability to carry out the work of discipleship and yet, we have pledged our faith. We confess that we have fallen short in our efforts to witness to the way Christ is at work in our lives. And we confess that we have not counted these shortcomings as our failure to keep our end of the bargain.
L: Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ. But Jesus does not condemn. No, it is he who deems us worthy, and invites us to dine with him at the Passover table. In his presence we shall give thanks and praise to Almighty God who gives us life and breath, love and eternal grace. Jesus will remind us that God has never abandoned humanity, remaining steadfast even when we turned away. At the table the “Beloved One” of God will call upon us to the remember God’s covenants of old, while embracing a new covenant. At the table to be called the table of remembrance from this day forward, Jesus gives us the bread of life and the cup of redemption. Jesus dines tonight in the company of those who betrayed, denied and deserted him, and still he offers grace to all. Time after time we have not understood what God has done for us, and time after time the bread and cup remind us that in the name of Christ you are forgiven!
P: In the name of the Christ, you are forgiven! Glory be to God. Amen. Our ABBA Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours forever Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The question was asked at the time of his birth “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? That child grew to manhood and on the day of his baptism heard the voice from heaven saying: “This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” The devil knew him as the Son of God, yet this king, this beloved, this son, aspired to no grand and glorious throne; rather he sought to gather us in, to change our lives showing us the way to be sturdy salt and a hopeful light for the world. During the 40 days of Lent you have walked to Jerusalem with Jesus. When he entered the Holy City, how did you react seeing the king of kings, humble and mounted on a donkey? Your response to the sight should be a telling moment, as well as, a moment of decision.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Merciful God, this evening we remember how Jesus, knowing that his end was near kept faith with you and with his disciples celebrating the Passover with all of his disciples, the deserters, the betrayers and those who awaited. Bless the gifts we offer this evening which are not offered to curry your favor or goodwill. Our gifts show that we gladly and gratefully embrace our covenant with you. Guide us to carry out the mission of your church. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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