Maundy Thursday: April 13, 2006.

Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10), 11-14

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Cupped Ear/Psalm Sounds

Listen for the ancient words "the cup of salvation" (v. 13) during the Maundy Thursday celebration of Holy Communion.

Verse 1 is a unique beginning. Of all of the psalms, other than Psalm 18:1, this is the only one that starts with a declaration of "love" for God. "I love the Lord" sets the tone for the entire psalm. To love God is to call on the name of the Lord (v. 4), to find rest for your soul (v. 7), to walk with God in this life (v. 9), and to fulfill the vows you make to God (v. 14).

In the Greek and Latin Bibles, Psalm 116 is divided into two psalms: verses 1-9 appear as Psalm 114 and verses 10-19 as Psalm 115. This second section, verses 12-19, becomes a part of the liturgical worship for the Passover festival. During the meal, four cups are raised and blessed in remembrance of the Exodus story. Psalm 116:12-19 is read as the fourth "cup of salvation" is raised. The psalm celebrates the salvation and deliverance of Israel by the actions of God. The "cup of salvation" signifies that God has delivered God's people from death.

Open Mouth/Psalm Speech

Many churches reenact a Passover meal on this night. Others take communion in groups of twelve or reenact the Upper Room. Perhaps you wash feet and then celebrate the Eucharist. The preacher can use this psalm to talk about its use in the Passover. Or, the preacher might build on the image of the "cup of salvation." What does this "cup" mean to us and for us? Is the celebration of the Eucharist central to our lives? Do we find ourselves pulled to the table for communion with God and each other? How did Jesus speak about a "cup" in the Garden or with his disciples in the Upper Room? DRB