Christus Factus est: Sermon for Maundy Thursday
Friday, April 29th, 2011The propers for Holy Week are rich in grace. There is a full set of propers (lessons, Introit, Gradual, etc.) for every day in Holy Week. They lead us to the cross and empty tomb in repentance and faith. Three of tonight’s propers for Maundy Thursday will guide our meditation this evening. The gradual, known in Latin as Christus Factus est (Christ was made obedient), traces the humiliation and exaltation of Christ. Our Epistle gives us the words instituting the Sacrament. And our Gospel lesson describes Jesus’ servitude on the night He was betrayed. A rich portrait of the life and work of Christ, the One who was made obedient unto death, even death on the cross.