Maundy Thursday

Meditation Before the Altar of Repose, 1981
Sue Buckman

I will watch with You one hour, Lord.
How it must have hurt You when they fell asleep -- leaving You all alone in Your agony of soul.
How often have I likewise hurt You, Lord?

I kneel here and gaze at the flickering candles and think of that night so long ago.
Were You cold, Lord?
In the darkness, did the wind blow through the trees and send shivers up and down Your spine?
Here I am all nice and warm — my car parked outside.
How far away it all seems to me --
And yet --
You are here also.

I feel Your presence in the silence here.
Can I somehow ease Your pain in my feeble gesture — to watch one hour with You?