Justin Appel

Dear Friends,

Today’s lesson from Luke’s Gospel relates how Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples before his death.

This story puts me in mind of the themes we commemorate at the Maundy Thursday liturgy: the institution of the Eucharist and Christ’s command to “love one another, as I have loved you,” a command which he confirmed through his action of washing the disciples’ feet.

The antiphon attached to the foot-washing states that “where love and charity are, God is there.” I’ve been listening to a setting of this text by the Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, which simply incorporates the first verse. I include the full antiphon below for your benefit:

Where charity and love are, God is there.
Christ's love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

[Where charity and love are, God is there.
As we are gathered into one body,
Beware, lest we be divided in mind.
Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease,
And may Christ our God be in our midst.

Where charity and love are, God is there.
And may we with the saints also,
See Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:
The joy that is immense and good,
Unto the ages through infinite ages.] Amen.

Ubi caritas, Ola Gjeilo (https://youtu.be/xxu7XuElJ9g)

Yours in Christ,
—Justin