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I came across some pictures from Palm Sunday and Easter – taken last year in Ukraine, just weeks after the Russian invasion. The war correspondent was unsure even if she would go, having won several Pulitzer Prizes for her work in other conflicts, she fully planned to sit this one out. In the end, though, she went. “I think it’s important to show up — whether it’s Easter or whatever the pictures are — just show the world a different viewpoint … because I think the world community is forgetting that this is happening. And there’s also compassion fatigue. Or they just don’t want to look at rubble and bodies anymore. And the horror of it. People just can’t digest that.[1]”

She reminds me so much of God on this Maundy Thursday – God did not turn away from creation or humanity. God did not send an envoy, or a letter, or a thought and prayer. God showed up – not just to offer a different viewpoint, but to live, embody, and experience the visceral, gut-wrenching reality of humanity.

Jesus, on the night in which he was betrayed knelt on the floor – from the viewpoint of the servant. Jesus has washed you. Given his life for you. Welcomed you into the body of Christ and a life of forgiveness, love, and peace. Jesus shows up for you. Imagine, having met God along your way, how God is calling you to show up for others. As you show up, and as our church learns what it means to fully show up, maybe we’ll all find just what it means to love as God loves us.

This Maundy Thursday, I invite you to reflect on how God has shown up in your own life. Who are the people who loved you into healing and wholeness? Who are those who welcomed you or showed you unconditional love? And who is God calling you to show up for?

[1] https://faithandleadership.com/easter-ukraine-its-pretty-humbling-witness-and-document?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Read%20more&utm_campaign=fl_newsletter

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you have called me to come and die, that joined to you in the waters of baptism, God might raise me to new life. Help me to believe in the power of your life-giving cross and strengthen me with hope that no matter what I face, you are with me and will bring everything to newness of life. Amen.

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Week Five Devotions by Rev. Erika Uthe, uthe@seiasynod.org