Today’s Reflection
The words of institution — “This is my body, broken for you” — used to sound like resignation: “This is all I have, and it is shattered to make room for you.” But we are asked to remember this sacrifice at every meal, with every bite of sustaining food we eat with our loved ones. In that remembering, we approach the words from a different angle. Jesus’ body has been and will be enough, and the offering of a humble human body can change the course of history, exemplifying God’s love and grace for infinity.
—Hannah E. Shanks, This is My Body (Fresh Air Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
How does Christ’s sacrifice shape the way you view your own body and its capacity for love and service? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
[Jesus] took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
—Luke 22:19 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
Loving Creator, you have made us — fearfully and wonderfully — in your image. Help us embrace our bodies, just as they are, without hesitation or shame. May we see your glory reflected in ourselves and in others. May we know that we are enough. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
In the Santuary of Women, by Jan Richardson, highlights six women from scripture and history and invites us to discover what their lives tell us about God. Come spend some time in the sanctuary of women. Learn more.
Lectionary Readings
- Acts 9:36-43
- Psalm 23
- Revelation 7:9-17
- John 10:22-30
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.