Maundy Thursday celebrates Jesus' last meal with his disciples. This meal institutes the sacrament of Communion (Last Supper and Eucharist are other terms). Jesus' ministry is full of meals shared with still sorts of people. So it is no surprise to find Jesus at another meal.
While the meals post-Easter, that are so full of the resurrection appearances, also play a profound roll in the sacrament that is instituted, it is the Passover meal that takes center stage tonight.
During the Passover Jerusalem would be run over with pilgrims coming to celebrate their liberation from the oppressor of Pharaoh. Amidst all these pilgrims, we continue our own reflections on pilgrimaging. For what if you couldn't join your friends on a trip? Is there a way to participate?
For those of you watching as your friends head for the distant horizon, there is a way you can participate in their journeys. Creating special gifts and/or rituals to be opened or undertaken at way points (half-way between port A and cove B) or at certain places become meaningful connections. Especially if they are rituals you will also be holding at home.
I recall reading Bernard Moitessier writing about how friends gifts connected them to him, and he to them, while on The Long Way around the world non-stop by the three capes.
These gifts need not be elaborate.
Anthony Lawlor writes: "Recently, friends of mine went to India, and I created a little ceremony for them. I handed them a sacred bundle and simply said, ' Open it when you reach your goal.' Anyone can do this for their friends and family: a book, a candle, a pencil, a prayer written out by hand. They become sacred through your intention and the place they are opened."*
*as quoted in Coucineau. _the Art of Pilgrimage._ 117.
While the meals post-Easter, that are so full of the resurrection appearances, also play a profound roll in the sacrament that is instituted, it is the Passover meal that takes center stage tonight.
During the Passover Jerusalem would be run over with pilgrims coming to celebrate their liberation from the oppressor of Pharaoh. Amidst all these pilgrims, we continue our own reflections on pilgrimaging. For what if you couldn't join your friends on a trip? Is there a way to participate?
For those of you watching as your friends head for the distant horizon, there is a way you can participate in their journeys. Creating special gifts and/or rituals to be opened or undertaken at way points (half-way between port A and cove B) or at certain places become meaningful connections. Especially if they are rituals you will also be holding at home.
I recall reading Bernard Moitessier writing about how friends gifts connected them to him, and he to them, while on The Long Way around the world non-stop by the three capes.
These gifts need not be elaborate.
Anthony Lawlor writes: "Recently, friends of mine went to India, and I created a little ceremony for them. I handed them a sacred bundle and simply said, ' Open it when you reach your goal.' Anyone can do this for their friends and family: a book, a candle, a pencil, a prayer written out by hand. They become sacred through your intention and the place they are opened."*
*as quoted in Coucineau. _the Art of Pilgrimage._ 117.
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