L: My sisters and brothers, Jesus humbled himself before God and humanity, and in so doing he showed us the way of love. Let us come close to our Lord and confess what separates us from the Lord, opening ourselves to the Spirit of truth.
P: Most merciful God, we your church confess that often our spirits have been a poor reflection of the Christ within us. So many times we have failed to love one another as Christ loved us. Too often we let the darkness in the world overshadow us. May the light of the Christ burst through the barriers, erected by fear and anxiety to shine in and through us. We falter in our discipleship when we confess our faith with our lips, but fail to proclaim aloud that Jesus is real to us and a significant part of our lives. Reserving him for Sunday is like giving him one-seventh of our devotion. When we fail to embrace a stranger, we place the Christ within on the back burner. Forgive us, O Lord. By your Spirit help us to be faithful each and every day, in our joys and in our sorrows. Amen.
L: Who is in a position to condemn? Only God. Our love for Jesus has brought us here this evening to share his supper and to give thanks to our creator, who has given us life and breath. Even when we grumbled and turned away, God never abandoned humanity, remaining steadfast, always keeping covenant with us. Tonight, Jesus, the Beloved ONE, calls us to communion with God, to celebrate God’s wondrous deeds and elaborate acts of goodwill. At the table of remembrance, Jesus is present, offering us the bread of life and the cup of redemption, inviting us into a new covenant with God. Time after time we have not understood what God has done for us, and time after time the Holy Spirit has interceded for us. Jesus dines tonight in the company of those who betrayed him, deserted him, and denied him, and still he offers us all grace, peace, and mercy. In the name of Christ, you are forgiven!
P: In the name of the Christ, you are forgiven! Glory be to God. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Jesus first arrived at the Jordan and was baptized by John, who didn’t recognize him or speak to him. He appeared as if out of nowhere, with no family history to share, a stranger with an urgent message. “The time has arrived; the kingdom of God is upon you. Repent and believe in the gospel.” He wasn’t saying: “Take your time and give it some thought.” He meant: “The time is now! Turn now, and believe in the Good News.” There is no better time than the present to turn, til by turning, turning we come round right.
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 them. Bless the gifts we offer this evening. We do not make this offering as atonement for sins. We are not trying to purchase your goodwill or favor. These are a pledge of commitment, as we embrace our covenant with you. We offer them gratefully, trusting that you will guide their purpose, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
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