Jesus eats the Passover meal with his disciples: Matthew 26:17-35
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
This year’s Passover feast was certainly very different. Looking back after six months, it is hard to imagine how much has changed in my life since then.
In the morning, Jesus sent us into the city to visit the man who would provide the venue and the food for us. Jesus instructed us to tell him “My hour has come.” We puzzled about that. What did Jesus mean? It was the beginning of a number of strange things that happened that day.
When evening came, we were all together, ready to partake in this centuries-old ritual. We came into the room, chatting and eager. But soon we sensed a darkness, an unusual gloom. We sat down, and then Jesus sent the first shock wave. ‘One of you is about to betray me.’ I dropped my fork. Who on earth would do that? He doesn’t mean me, does he? Oh God, save us!” The other guests were equally shocked and began looking around and whispering to each other. Then there was a quietening, and Jesus was looking at Judas. Judas? No, it couldn’t be! Jesus had entrusted the common purse to him, and he was punctilious in his duties. Peter interrupted and proclaimed, ‘Though everyone else leaves you, Lord, I will never go away.’ Sadly, Jesus looked at him and stated, ‘Before the cock crows this night, you, Peter, will have said three times that you do not know me.’ ‘Never!’ said Peter. Jesus just shrugged his shoulders.
During the meal, Jesus took some of the unleavened bread in his hand, examined it carefully and said the blessing. He then broke it into pieces and went around the table, giving a piece to each of us. ‘Take this and eat.’ he said. ‘This is my body.’ I took the bread and looked at it. What did Jesus mean? I ate the little wafer, and felt a wave of peace flow over me. I felt closer to Jesus than I had ever felt before.
Back at his place, Jesus took the cup of wine and having given thanks to God, he came around to each of us again, offering us some of the wine and saying, ‘Drink it, all of you. This is my blood which seals God’s covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink this wine until the day I drink the new wine with you in my Father’s Kingdom.’ There was a silence in the room. I felt that time had stood still. We were aware of mystery all around us.
Jesus brought us back to earth by starting the concluding singing of the Psalms. Leaving the house, we followed Jesus as he moved off to his favourite quiet place, the Mount of Olives.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· How do I prepare for important events?
· How do I react when someone lets me down or does something bad to me? Am I ready to forgive?
· Am I aware of my own weakness?
· Jesus connected with each person at the table. Do I give undivided attention to those with whom I am conversing?
· Do I value religious ritual in my life?
Prayer
Lord, increase my faith in your real presence in the Eucharist. Help me to live each day as though it were to be my last. Help me to place my whole trust in you rather than thinking I am strong enough to stand alone. Amen