Daily Readings - Thu Mar 28 2024
Exodus
1And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,2This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.3Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:4And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.5Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:6And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.7And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.8And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.11And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.12For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.13And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.14And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
1 Corinthians
23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
John
1Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;4He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.5After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.6Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?7Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.8Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.9Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.10Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.11For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.12So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?13Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.14If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound significance of remembrance and service in our faith. The Exodus passage recounts the institution of the Passover, where the Israelites marked their doors with lamb's blood, signifying their faith and obedience, and thus the angel of death passed over their homes. This sacred meal was not just a ritual but a communal act of faith, binding the Israelites together in their liberation.
In the Corinthians reading, Paul reflects on the Eucharist, instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper. Jesus transforms a simple meal into a profound act of love and remembrance, offering His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. This sacred meal unites believers across time and space, recalling Christ's sacrifice and anticipating His return.
The Gospel of John shifts our focus to Jesus washing His disciples' feet, an act of humility and service. Jesus, as Lord and Teacher, takes on the role of a servant, teaching His disciples the importance of mutual love and service. This act is not just a gesture but a call to action, urging us to follow His example in our lives.
These readings remind us that our faith is rooted in remembrance and service. The Passover and the Eucharist call us to remember God's saving actions and to participate in communal worship. Jesus' act of washing feet challenges us to embrace humility and service. In our daily lives, we are called to remember God's love through prayer and sacraments, and to serve others with humility. Let us strive to live out these values, deepening our faith and strengthening our bonds with one another.