Suggested Readings: Psalms 31: 9-16, Leviticus 23:1-8, Luke 22:1-13
In the Leviticus reading for today we see the establishment of the festivals and sacred days, including the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, which we often refer to as Passover. I can imagine that, in addition to the people knowing it was a holy time, they also recognized it as a busy time, filled with preparations. At the beginning of the Luke reading for today, we see people in the midst of this preparation, and we also see active treachery and plans for betrayal by the chief priests, teachers of the law, and Judas.
One thing that “gets me” each time that I read these scriptures, is realizing that Jesus continued to make his own preparations to honor the Passover with his disciples even while knowing people were plotting against him. Even with this knowledge, he continued steadfastly toward Jerusalem on the path that was marked for him. Even with the God-given power he had, he continued on toward his betrayal and death.
This is the epitome of the phrase I hear in therapeutic contexts, which is that sometimes all we can see to do in front of us is the “next right thing,” and that is what we are called to do. We have the ultimate example of that in Jesus, who listened to his Father’s voice and knew clearly what the next right thing would be.
Like the psalmist in today’s selection, sometimes we feel the contempt of our neighbors and the dread from our friends. Sometimes we feel forgotten as though we are dead. Many times we feel we don’t know with clarity what that next right thing is. Yet, we do know that Jesus knows our feelings of being forgotten and being targeted. And we, like the psalmist, know that we can cry out to the Lord, who hears our plea. We know that deliverance and unfailing love will rescue us.
Sabrina Sullenberger
