Maundy Thursday

Last night was Maundy Thursday, with the traditional "dark" Tenebrae service reflecting on the shadow falling over he disciples in the lead-up to Good Friday. I found myself thinking a lot about the disciples - Peter and John in particular. Peter was called "the rock" by Jesus, even knowing that he would deny Jesus when put to the question. Jesus foretold not only Peter's betrayal, but also Peter's return and that he would be an ongoing leader in the church and source of strength for those around him and those who would follow.

This year we have been looking in particular at John's Gospel, with its themes of light and darkness and God's eternal forgiveness and love. This was particularly suited to the service last night, with the progressive dousing of the light as the service progressed through Jesus' arrest and trial, Peter's betrayal and the rejection of the community and the condemnation of Pilate.

By the end of the service, it was raining and the wind was howling outside - perhaps a cliché, but atmospheric nonetheless. As we left the Carey chapel for the last time, resetting the chairs and taking everything with us, it really was a journey of saying farewell. We stripped the church and took even the doused candles with us, locked the doors and left silently, one at a time into the rain and darkness outside.

This experience really brought home to me the lost-ness, the lack of centre, the destruction of hope and the uncertainty that the disciples would have felt (albeit on a smaller scale). It also brought to mind the persecuted church, and those who have to gather in secret and leave in silence. Holy Spirit comfort and sustain them!