CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – Friday’s commentaries will be about faith and religion, and today’s a fine day to start. Today is good Friday.
I want to talk about Maundy Thursday – which was yesterday. It is, traditionally, the day when new Christians are confirmed into the faith, and when they become members of their churches… although that can happen at any time.
Why are new disciples invited to join the faith on Maundy Thursday? Because it is the day when Jesus is at his lowest.
Would you stand with Christ Jesus in the garden, when he begs God that this bitter cup not pass his way?
Would you stand with him when he is betrayed by kiss, for silver, and arrested?
Would you follow Christ as he’s put on trial… as the crowd yells, “crucify him?”
Where would you be when Peter denies Jesus, and says three times “I don’t know that man”.
Do you stand with Jesus while he is mocked, and scourged, and given a crown of thorns, and carries his cross to the place of crucifixion?
New members are welcomed into the church on Maundy Thursday because the kinds of disciples we need are those who are resolute — even during the low and difficult times.
It is also written that joy comes in the morning. And this Sunday morning, when we celebrate Christ’s resurrection and final victory – there are also thousands of new disciples, celebrating their first Easter as members of the church.
Thanks be to God.
-Chris Conley
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