The
Beginning of our Faith Community
Maundy Thursday
The Rev. Richard C. Witt Jr.
A Meditation
Of all the
liturgies growing up, the most fulfilling for me was Maundy Thursday. There was
a power that came through sharing a meal together. All ages were a part of the meal and I felt
accepted and loved. The candlelight made
it mystical and I was in awe that we were gathering as the disciples had.
Following
the meal and the Eucharist there was an all night vigil. I always felt honored that the Rector’s wife
asked me to vigil with her during the early morning hours. It was a surreal
time as we sat there. At one moment I
felt a closeness to God and the next moment I was in fear of the strange
sounds, the dark and the quiet of the night.
I often think that so many of us experience fear at night, not because
of the dark, but because of the quiet.
I was
determined to be faithful and stay awake - but it was a tough battle. My mother
always gave me these wonderful books to take with me. They were filled with a
deep spirituality and they would become my companion during this period of
uncertainty; as I connected to the body of the faithful.
In the
midst of this evening when a betrayal took place - I remember the sense of
community and the love. Our Church, our faith community has its roots in this
night through the Eucharist and the Last Supper. This is where it all
began. And tonight our two
congregations: