17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
Matthew 26:17-19 NIV
This afternoon has been a whirlwind of activity at the church. A very different Thursday afternoon from most ... the cleaning crew was in to do their usual work ... but the worship director was also in setting things up in the sanctuary for this evening's service and a crew of ladies from the UMW were into to get things ready in the church for a Community Maundy Thursday Service and Easter Services this Weekend.
Everyone was working with such great care and lovingly cleaned every spot and tidy every corner in anticipation of this evening and Easter.
While appreciate the extra effort to tidy up the church - the smell of 'lemony' clean is a nice addition to the church, part of me wonders why not every week? But then I remember, the passage from Matthew and how it ends ...
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Olive tree wood model of the Last Supper
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Perhaps our efforts are easier on a day like this ... in a week like this ... because we do our work knowing that Jesus will show up tonight as we gather around the table.
We also know that the tomb will be empty come Sunday and we will celebrate the hope of resurrection.
Maybe if we could keep the anticipation of Easter alive during the week, it would change how we prepare each and every week for Worship. The anticipated encounter with the Risen Savior tends to change how you act.
Until then, I am thankful for the many hands that have been through the church making preparations for an evening at the Table with Jesus.