It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Anointment, Betrayal, Communion, Reflection on Mark 14:12-25

Jesus is living under threat. As he is sitting at supper, a woman approaches him with a jar filled with an expensive ointment. She breaks the jar and anoints his head with the ointment. When Israel had kings, they had been anointed by prophets (See 1 Samuel 16; 1 Kings 19:16). The word we translate as "Messiah" means anointed.

Later, in a Passover meal with his closest disciples, Jesus tells them that one of them is going to betray him.

Then he takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them, saying "This is my body." He takes a cup, gives thanks, and gives it to them, saying, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many."  We continue to remember this supper as disciples continue to gather. When we share in communion (every week or every month), our pastors follow those same procedures.

Then, as we disperse, what do we do next? How has our version of the Lord's Supper replicate the original one? Is there ever an echo of the presence of someone who is going to betray Jesus?




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