Praying the Communion Antiphon: Wednesday of Holy Week

 Praying the Communion Antiphon Series

Praying the Communion Antiphon.

A Time Set Apart: Wednesday of Holy Week

To Serve and to Give

Communion Antiphon (Matthew 20:28)
The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 

Thinking About the Words

“The Son of Man did not come to be served…”

This overturns expectation. We might expect:

• power
• authority
• honour

However, Jesus defines His mission differently.

Not to receive…but to give.

“To serve…”

Service here is not small or secondary.

It is the very identity of Christ.

Every action of Jesus flows from this:

• healing
• teaching
• forgiving
• accompanying

All of it is service.

“And to give his life…”

Now the meaning becomes clear. Service is not occasional.

It becomes total self-giving.

“As a ransom for many.”

This word ransom connects deeply with what we have seen this week:

• “handed over for us all”
• “bore our sins”
• “gathered into one”

A ransom means:

• a price paid
• a life given
• freedom restored

 

A Deeper Insight

Wednesday of Holy Week  is often called Spy Wednesday — the day Judas prepares to hand Jesus over.

So we hold two movements together:

• Judas prepares to take and betray
• Jesus chooses to give and serve

One closes in on self.
The other opens outward in love.

 

Connection to the Gospel

Today’s Gospel (Matthew 26:14–25):

Judas asks:

“What will you give me if I hand him over?”

There is a price placed on Jesus.

Thirty pieces of silver.

And in contrast, the antiphon reveals:

Jesus Himself is the ransom.

Not bought…
but freely given.

 

Holding Both Together

• Judas measures value in silver
• Jesus reveals value in self-giving love

The contrast is striking.

One calculates.
The other surrenders.

 

At Communion

At Communion, we receive the One who:

• did not come to be served
• but to serve
• and to give His life

We receive the servant who becomes the gift.

 

Reflection

• Where do I seek to be served rather than to serve?
• What does true service look like in my life today?
• Do I recognise the depth of Christ’s self-giving for me?
• How can I reflect even a small part of that love?

This is a very still and profound day.

On the edge of the Passion,
Jesus reveals the heart of everything:

To serve.
To give.
To lay down one’s life.

And in that giving,
we find our freedom

Prayer

Lord,
you came not to be served, but to serve.
Teach me to give of myself
and to walk in your love.

 

 Personal Note: I have been unwell so this is why this posting is late. However, I hope it will speak to you in your Holy Week journey.