There are many iconic lines from films which stir all sorts of memories. One of the films that has a huge number of quotable lines is the 1940’s classic Casablanca. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, it is an epic tale of love and loss, hope and sacrifice. Who can ever forget:
“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”
“Here's looking at you kid.”
“We'll always have Paris.”
"Play it again, Sam.”
“Round up the usual suspects.”
“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
That list was not actually correct. The hero of the story, Rick Blaine, doesn’t actually say, "Play it again, Sam.” It’s just "Play it.” (There’s a useful bit of knowledge that might occur in a pub quiz sometime!) And Rick only hears the piano melody in that famous scene, it’s earlier when Miss Ilsa gets Sam to play it that the iconic words, “You must remember this”, are sung.
A number of years ago, our church followed the Lenten Bible Study called A Beautiful Friendship, written by Paul Kerensa and Zoe Young, based on the film Casablanca. Ever since then, every time I hear the words “Do this in remembrance of me” I think of Casablanca, and vice versa!
Of all the words shared in that Upper Room, to me, the most poignant are those: “Do this in remembrance of me.” For remembrance has such a powerful connection with our lives, remembrance is also a powerful aspect of faith. How often do we say to others, “Do you remember … “? So it’s interesting to see the context of the Last Supper where Jesus and the disciples are sharing a meal that the Jewish people observed every year in order to remember God’s fulfilment of his promise, the Passover. In that act of remembering, Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
As the people of God we are encouraged, and strengthened, by remembering the faith and deeds of those who have gone before us. We remember that ours is an ancient faith, we remember the promises of God’s word, and as we do so our confidence is built in trusting God and living in his truth.
Maundy Thursday is a chance for us to remember, and to reflect on the grace, forgiveness, healing and love poured out in this simple act of sharing bread and wine. It’s also worth noting that this remembering is not just a passive stance, it’s not just a quiet peaceful moment in the pews of our churches. It’s a call to action, in the light of the washing of feet it’s an invitation to serve, the imperative is to respond to this command.
Graham Kendrick frames this beautifully in his hymn The Servant King:
From Heaven, You came helpless babe
Entered our world, your glory veiled
Not to be served but to serve
And give Your life that we might live
This is our God, The Servant King
He calls us now to follow Him
To bring our lives as a daily offering
Of worship to The Servant King
Many years ago, Rick Blaine said, ‘I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,’ which I’m certain are the echo of Jesus to his disciples and to us.
Neil Chappell
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