Tables overwhelmed with flavours and smells
Of ritual foods,
Bitter herbs and unleavened bread,
Hard eggs and sacrificial lamb,
Wine poured ready for joy as the
recitation pours out of shared history and hope.
——
Mary waits to light candles and pray
but finds him kneeling, water to show them,
the way.
He washes her feet, invoking
a memory in her mind, A sword will pierce her through.
——
Plates filled, the plagues recited,
the Seder begun, takes on wine
and merry hearts, laughing and singing,
stories that tell of a God who saved them from the slavery.
——
He stands and breaks the bread for dipping
in bitter tears, of slaves,
This is my body he says, given for you,
each time you eat it, Remember me.
—–
One of you will betray me, his words
Cut to the bone,
Guilt, fear and curiosity making them ask, If
it is I Lord?
—–
Sad eyes watch, wondering as Judas leaves.
—–
The cup stands full, alone on the table spent,
calls for Elijah to return, and
lifting it Jesus, made plain what few could hear
My life blood is here, drink it for now
a new covenant is born in my blood.
All who seek me will find me.
——
By my blood forgiveness is now the law,
for Grace has come through me.
A new commandment I give you
Love one another as I have loved you.
Drink this, remember me every time,
but for me – I will Not drink wine again until God’s kingdom’s come.
—–
He watched as stunned faces sought his smile
Frightened eyes wanting to assurance,
they drank and passed the bonding cup
Pondering its meaning as they supped.
—–
He saw the mystery of human minds
missing the point and settling for less,
Love burned in his gut for each and every,
but wanting a way, any way to stop
death’s hunger for execution and his humiliation.
—-
Some leaders stand, like he did,
search the faces in front and
take from them all they have.
———
But he stood, he loved, gave all he could.
