The Last Supper
a meditation by Victor Hoagland, C.P.When Jesus Christ entered the supper room to eat the Passover meal that last Thursday night, he was aware a dark fate awaited him. Powerful forces were drawn up against him ready to take his life. His enemies were moving to stop him.
Beside him were his disciples, "his own who were in the world." Arguing among themselves as they took their place at table, they gave him little support. Not only did Jesus face their pettiness, he also sensed their impending betrayal of him.
What would he do? Understandably he might respond with caution and draw back. Like the servant, whom Isaiah described, he might well say, "I toiled in vain; and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength..." (Is. 49).
Jesus, however, took bread and gave it to his disciples. "Take this," he said, "this is my body." He took the cup and gave it to them. "This is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, to be poured out in behalf of many."
That night, without wariness or regret, he gave himself in love to his Father and his disciples. As Savior and Redeemer he gave himself unhesitatingly for the life of the world.
We remember that love each time we celebrate the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the sacrament which makes a supper room of every time and place. Until the end of time, the sacrament says, Jesus Christ will offer his body and blood for all.
Lord Jesus,once in the wildernessyour people ate heavenly mannaand they were filled.And once in a desert placeyou fed the hungrywith blessed bread.A simple thing, we say,costing our mighty Godlitte effort.But what if bread isa body offered for all,and a cup of wineyour own life-bloodgiven to those who hardly care?A costly thing, we say,Is there anything moreGod could have done?Anything moreLove could dothan lay down his lifefor his friends?
Bruce MacPherson macpherson@celtic.ca / Blog: The Celtic Christian / Home: 613.489.4174 Cell: 613.720.0821 You are receiving this email because you have requested it or I felt you would be interested in this material. If you would like to be removed from this email list, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above email address. Likewise, if you know of someone else who you believe would appreciate receiving these messages, please let me know. |
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