Christians throughout Albuquerque will soon celebrate Easter. Before Easter, however, comes Holy Thursday, a day which commemorates extraordinary events.
On this day we may also observe the comfort received from common household items.
A Flask
When Jesus was at Simon the leper’s table, a woman came to him carrying an alabaster flask filled with expensive ointment, which she poured on his head.
A Jar
When Jesus told his disciples to prepare Passover for them, they asked where to have it. Jesus told them a man carrying a jar of water would lead the way.
A Basin
After Jesus rose from supper, he filled a basin with water and washed his disciples’ feet.
Two Cups
When Jesus knew his time had come, he took a cup and blessed it and gave it to his disciples to drink from.
Then Jesus visualized a cup while praying at the Mount of Olives. He first asked for the cup to pass from him. Then he said he would drink the cup.
A flask with ointment to anoint,
A jar of water to lead the way,
A basin with water to cleanse,
A cup of wine to drink together,
And a cup of dying and new life.
We are used to common household vessels being used, broken, and thrown out. They become part of the dirt and dust that the spring winds blow about in Albuquerque. Momentous times are not associated with common household vessels.
And yet these common items held Jesus’ last hours. As we give a cup of cold water to others, common items hold our hours as well. There is nothing common but seeing makes it so.
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