The Last Supper

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. Jesus said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” Mk 14:22-24

Meals are moments of great intimacy for family and friends. Meals provide a time of communion for all who share it. Yet, no meal comes without a price. Every time a mother provides a meal for her family she is giving something of herself to show she loves those whom God has given to her. And so it is that at the Last Supper Jesus provides in intimacy the greatest Communion, which prefigures His life giving Sacrifice.

Take, eat. This is my body, which will be given up for you. Drink, this is my blood, which will be shed for you. In the Last Supper, the first Mass, Jesus provides a meal. Now, as we strive for heaven Jesus feeds us until He comes again. This Holy Communion with the Lord’s Body and Blood makes His Sacrifice present for our salvation. Every Mass then is our Lord’s way of saying to us, “I love you to death and will love you forever.”