Maundy Thursday-Holy Week 2007

While the crowds have dispersed from Sunday's triumphal entry into Jerusalem to prepare for the great feast of the Passover. Jesus and the 12 disciples are preparing for the Passover themselves. Only Jesus seems to know what is going to happen next as they begin the feast. Jesus washes the feet of the disciples and then they begin the Last Supper.

Jesus raises a loaf of bread, blesses it, and gives thanks. He then says, "Take and eat, for this is my body." Jesus then raises the cup, blesses it, and gives thanks. He then says while offering the cup, "Take and drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood."

One can almost imagine what the disciples were thinking at that point. Were these the actual body and blood of this Jesus whom they had been following, or is it something else? Is there another meaning?

Jesus, by sharing the bread and the cup, is preparing a new way, a new way in which the Paschal lamb will serve throughout eternity and for all who come to him. All, who through faith, trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may draw near to him and participate in the sharing of the bread and the cup. By doing so, we "proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

Tonight the streets of Jerusalem are quite, but soon comes the morning.