-by Jessica Noonan (She/Her), Associate Director of LEAD

Years ago I watched a series on TV about what inmates on death row have requested as their last meal before being executed by the state. Many times, the meal requested was something from their childhood. For example, that meal that Grandma Alice made every Sunday or some other comfort food associated with happy memories. There is something special about gathering around a table to share in meal together, like on a Saturday morning with your kids, a birthday meal, or the last meal before your death. Sharing in a meal with others can be holy time.

On this Maundy Thursday, I am thinking about the meal we gather together around as a faith community. The sacrament of Holy Communion. The meal that promises forgiveness. The meal that unites us with other Christians around the world. The meal that reminds us of Jesus’ death on the cross. The meal that holds us in the unending love of the Triune God. We get to share in this holy meal together as followers of Christ when we gather for worship.

Recently, I was introduced to an amazing band called The Many. Their purpose, as written on their website, “We are an uncommon, intentionally diverse collective making music for people to sing together about peace and justice and a world where we all belong.” Today, I want to share one of their songs with you as a prayer for this Holy Week. This song reminds us of how we all come in our own brokenness to the table to share in the sacred meal of Holy Communion. Find a friend or family member to share this video with. Here is “The Broken Body of Christ” by The Many.