Strange Words. Maybe.

Passover was a celebration of tradition. Traditions that had continued for generations. Jesus, a Jew, continued these traditions. Yet, the words that he said at this last meal were not the regular words.  He talked about the new covenant. He equated the bread to his body and the wine to his blood.  These were strange words.

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom.'"

I have to wonder, just how strange they were to those friends that day. In Luke's gospel, we hear of disputes over Jesus' words... yet, Matthew and Mark, the disciples sing a hymn.

They sang a hymn. And responded to these strange words.

They responded to something that caused arguments. And they set an example for us. They tell us to respond--when we understand things and when we don't understand things. God calls us to respond.

Today is Maundy Thursday. Today is the day that starts the weekend of celebration, the weekend of remembering and responding.

At that Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples remembered the Passover in Egypt and they responded. 

These were strange words.

And today. Today, we celebrate these strange words.