Many thanks to those who played an active part in our truncated Maundy Thursday Mass this evening. Not to have the procession at the beginning with the oils, the foot washing and the procession to the Altar of Repose in the hall was a great loss liturgically, spiritually and emotionally (as has been doubtless true in countless churches this evening) but it was good that we were able to join physically to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’ Supper. Many thanks to the Folk choir for singing at the Mass.
The Church tries in Holy Week to identify with the picture we are given in the Scriptures of the events of the Passion of Our Lord which are recounted to us in the gospel. This evening, in line with current guidelines and to safeguard people, as at other Masses people received Holy Communion at the very end of Mass before leaving the church building, I was reminded of a Scripture verse from what we recall this evening which could be applied to this (and this is not in any way a negative judgement on parishioners or on the Bishops Conference guidelines): ‘They all deserted him and fled’ (Mark 14:51). Perhaps this year, amidst this pandemic, we are being asked to live out the scriptures in new ways…
Night Prayer (Compline) live-streamed only from church at midnight.
God bless and take care
Fr Ashley