HOLY THURSDAY marks the beginning of the sacred Triduum, or “three days.”Earlier in the day, Jesus had given instructions to the disciples on how to prepare for this most holy meal, which would be His last supper “On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” (Matthew 26:17) 

 

On this Holy Thursday, we are sorrowfully, physically apart, and apprehensive, but thankfully finding us once again in the upper room with Jesus and the apostles, as we do what they did. Through the ritual of washing feet (John 13:1) of his beloved twelve, we unite in service to one another. Through our celebration of the Lord’s Supper (Mathew 26:26), we unite ourselves to Jesus receiving His Body and Blood as if for the first time, giving thanks to God for this precious gift. After the meal, Jesus and the apostles journey to the Garden of Gethsemane where He asks them to pray while He experienced His agony (Matthew 26:30). Alone with Jesus in the Garden, we pray as He goes through His agony, betrayal, arrest, and being taken to the house of the high priest.(Matthew. 26:47). We end this holy night in silence. 

 

DAY 5. Thursday: The Cup of Remembrance, “when you drink this cup remember me,” Jesus The Cup of the New Covenant. As you drink from your cup today, consider the last supper. Think about Jesus serving his disciples through washing their feet. Picture them around the table celebrating the Passover. What does washing someone’s feet look like in staying apart in 2020? How can you serve someone today? Talk to Jesus about this and then plan and act on it. Do something you wouldn’t normally do for someone in your family or who you cannot be with physically without being asked. As you drink from your cup today, remember that you are called to Love God and Love others as Jesus did. Mediate on John 13:31-35.

 

Be blessed, be safe,

 

Pastor Clarissa

 

Rev. Clarissa Martinelli

Good Tuesday morning 5th Avenue Family & Friends,

As Jesus entered Jerusalem during Passover Week, he would spend his last days on earth being beaten, crucified, and buried. Every day was filled a lot of activities.

Sisters and Brothers in Christ, we have all sinned and deserve God’s judgment. God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. Jesus, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried, and rose from the dead according to the Bible.

Let us spend The Greatest Week in History in a Season of Holy Distancing together as we are led to the cross with Jesus.

Pastor Clarissa