“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he said the blessing, he broke it and gave it to his disciples. ‘Take and eat,’ He said, this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he handed it to them saying, ‘Drink from this, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
Matthew 26: 26-28
Jesus in giving of himself in this meal, in dying on the cross and glorified in his Resurrection has universal significance for all humanity.
This Passover meal is no ordinary meal. Jesus is with his companions who became his family, whom he loves and who love him. During the meal, Jesus inaugurates the sacrament of the Eucharist.
In most cultures a meal is perhaps the most important moment of sharing and intimacy within the life of a family. To be invited to share in the hospitality of such an event is a privilege and a sign of friendship, acceptance, and respect.
These past two weeks, during many meals with my family and friends, I experienced love, laughter and sharing of memories. Gatherings that for me were extraordinary and had special meaning.
I believe all such experiences with family in some wonderful ineffable way reflect the familial and mutual love evident in that Passover meal.
Do not most families at meals, graced with blessings, to celebrate an event, or just to get together, experience love and joy? Are not all such family gatherings a gift from God and somehow have sacramental significance? Do we not experience that in every Eucharist: fellowship, agape love, sharing a meal, sharing Jesus?
Matthew 26: 26-28
Jesus in giving of himself in this meal, in dying on the cross and glorified in his Resurrection has universal significance for all humanity.
This Passover meal is no ordinary meal. Jesus is with his companions who became his family, whom he loves and who love him. During the meal, Jesus inaugurates the sacrament of the Eucharist.
In most cultures a meal is perhaps the most important moment of sharing and intimacy within the life of a family. To be invited to share in the hospitality of such an event is a privilege and a sign of friendship, acceptance, and respect.
These past two weeks, during many meals with my family and friends, I experienced love, laughter and sharing of memories. Gatherings that for me were extraordinary and had special meaning.
I believe all such experiences with family in some wonderful ineffable way reflect the familial and mutual love evident in that Passover meal.
Do not most families at meals, graced with blessings, to celebrate an event, or just to get together, experience love and joy? Are not all such family gatherings a gift from God and somehow have sacramental significance? Do we not experience that in every Eucharist: fellowship, agape love, sharing a meal, sharing Jesus?
RSS Feed