Jesus eats the Passover with his disciples: Mark 14:12-31
Imaginative Contemplation
This Passover meal would be a turning point for Jesus. He had prepared well, organising the place, the furnishings and the catering. On the day of the Festival, he sent one of the Apostles to fetch those who would serve the meal. In the evening, the Apostles gathered with Jesus in the upper room. A familiar place, familiar company, yet there was something very different. An atmosphere of awe, of expectation, hung over them all. The calm before the storm? The end of one world, the beginning of something new? This was holy ground. Like a blossom losing its petals when the seed had been fertilised, like an explosion leading to something new, there was certainly mystery engulfing the little group.
Jesus’ words were explosive.
‘One of you will betray me.’ Who, Lord? Not me, surely!
Before the rooster crows twice tonight, Peter, you will have denied me three times!’ Oh, no, Lord! I will die for you!
‘You will all desert me.’ Oh no! That’s not right! Of course we will stay with you.
Jesus took the bread, broke it and examined it. Then he said, ‘Take it. This is my body.’ Then he took a cup, gave thanks to God and handed it to them, and they all drank from it. Jesus said, ‘This is my blood which is poured out for many, my blood which seals God’s covenant. I tell you, I will never again drink this wine until the day I drink the new wine in the Kingdom of God.’
Enter into the scene
What did all this mean? Jesus, present in the bread which becomes part of my body, so God is working in and through me. Jesus’ blood which gives life to the body. An on-going connection with the living God, moving us forward into an unknown future. Leaving behind the gold and cedar and riches which get stuck in the past, Jesus creates living food which points to the future.
How did the Apostles react to the following points?
Jesus taking the bread and calling it his body
Jesus, taking the chalice of wine and calling it his blood
Jesus, foretelling his Passion
Jesus, speaking of the betrayal of Judas
Jesus, foretelling the denial of Peter
The meal came to an end with the singing of a hymn, and they all departed for the Mount of Olives.
How did the Apostles feel as they left the upper room?
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
Do I prepare well for future events?
How do I feel and react when my plans don’t work well?
At the beginning of the Eucharist, there is a penitential Rite. This acknowledges that we are all weak and sinful, like the Apostles were at the Passover meal.
Do I recognise myself and my neighbours as loved and forgiven sinners?
Do I make some preparation before attending Mass so that it does not become just another thing that I ‘do’?
At the end of Mass we are sent out to proclaim God’s kingdom by our lives. How can I do this today?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of the Eucharist, your promise to be with us always, to the end of time. Help me to live in the present moment in such a way that I witness to your Kingdom here and now. Amen.