Holy Thursday--

“This is the way in which you are to eat it: have your belt fastened,
sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand, and you must eat
in urgent haste. It is the LORD’S Passover” (Isaiah 12:11).

“I have set you an example: you are to do as I have done for you” (John 13:15).



Holy Thursday

The First Passover, death was
in the air—also at this meal,
death and salvation. The first Passover
they stood, belted, sandal shod,
eating quickly, staff in hand—
ready.

This, a more leisurely meal, he kneels,
undressed,
before bare feet
and washes them—a servant’s act: vulnerable—
and an act of welcome, of
hospitality and threshold crossing—
strange in that he is
leaving; to what are they welcomed?

And then speaks of his glorification,
certain; now, of himself, face like flint

The angel of death, once destroying oh
so many, will now take but one—
the first born—the new Adam.

—amk