Thursday, April 9, 2020
Today is Maundy or Holy Thursday. In the Gospel of John chapter 13 we read that Jesus humbled himself, offered the hospitality of heaven and washed the feet of his disciples. After which Jesus and his disciples shared a meal. It was during this meal, Jesus revealed that one of the ones sharing the meal would betray him.
In the da Vinci painting of the Last Supper, there are many details of which scholars are most interested. One such detail is the spilled salt-shaker painted in front of Judas. This spilled shaker might represent immortality, loss, or signify that Jesus is the salt of the earth. Perhaps a combination of these symbolisms conveys that Judas was about to betray Jesus, the salt of the earth, to the chief priests and Pharisees and the world would then lose its Savior.
Also da Vinci painted a herring (although scholars argue over the type of fish depicted) which may represent one who denies religion. Which points to Peter’s denial of Jesus three times before the cock would crow.
In an additional translation of the artwork by Sabrina Sforza Galitzia, she suggests that the painting predicts the end of the world in 4006. (So perhaps we can relax a bit since some of us may believe that this virus is a sign of the end times.)
So friends, today let us remember the last supper. The humble Jesus who kneeled down and washed the feet of the disciples. Offering the hospitality of heaven to the world. Washing us clean from the dirt of the world, the dirt which collects on our feet as we travel through life. Forgiving our journey which inflicts pain and distress on others. Let’s remember that we share a common table with all our brothers and sisters and that what we say and do creates a ripple effect encircling the world. And may we remember and be thankful for our blessings.