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So often in Bible stories the angels proclaim, “Do not be afraid.” They say this because they know Jesus has already won the victory. The troubles of this world are not too much for us, even though we are broken ourselves. Indeed, God has always been about using broken things to bring about God’s purposes.

We remember how Jesus broke bread and told us that it is his body, broken for our sake and for the sake of the world. We remember how Jesus said the cup of wine is his blood, poured out for the forgiveness of the sins of all. We remember that Jesus’ crucifixion was not the end of the story, but a defeat of sin, death and the devil. The ultimate enemies have been overcome. This meal prepares us, bringing us together. We gather together now. And we will gather together again, in this world and the next.

This message is excerpted from “Broken alleluias” by Katie Hines-Shah in the April 2021 Gather magazine. Today is Maundy Thursday.