HOLY WEEK AND WEAPONS OF LOVE
Jesus redefines “weapons.”
On Maundy Thursday, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke place Jesus in a room where the Lord’s Supper is instituted. The disciples and Jesus ate and drank together with Jesus pulling a “bait and switch” by using the common elements of bread and wine to become Jesus. Jesus as Lord and human being are front and center so we can remember him. In Christ we are one family. Bread and wine become “weapons of love.” The weapons are forgiveness, community and reconciliation.
Differently, in the Gospel of John, the Lord’s Supper is not instituted during Passover Week, but instead Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, even the feet of Jesus’ betrayer, Judas. Jesus’ words as he washes the feet: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. By this you will know you are my disciples….” Water becomes the “weapon of love.” The weapon is being a servant.
Yet, the next day weapons become traditional. The lash shreads Jesus’ body, soldiers with swords and spears escourt Jesus to the Place of the Skull, nails are driven through Jesus’ extremities to attach him to an early style gurney, and a sword pierces Jesus’ side. Trial and crucifixion were weapons old style day.
Saturday has armed guards at Jesus’ tomb to prevent Jesus’ body from being stolen. The powers must have known Jesus’ death was no ordinary execution.
Then comes the Resurrection. Women attempt to anoint Jesus’ body. The “weapon of love” triumphs over the weapons of death. Swords, lashes and spears could not abate love. Could we not say AK-47s, AR-15s, handguns and semi-automatic weapons could not abate love?
Jesus redefines “weapons.” Jesus moves gun/weapon conversation to how can we love each other.