Pause
During Jesus’ ministry, he often shared meals with outcasts – ‘tax-collectors and sinners’. He ate with his friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus; he provided wine at the wedding in Cana; he saw to it that the hungry crowds were fed. Tonight he shares the Passover meal with his closest friends and disciples in full knowledge that Judas will betray him and the rest will desert him in fear. Yet he wants them to remember this night.
As he breaks bread and gives it to them, he says:
“Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you. Do this to remember me.”
Again, when he offers them the cup of wine, he says:
“This is my blood poured out for you. Drink this as sign of God’s faithfulness and his forgiveness of your sins.”
Christians continue to break bread and drink wine together in the service of Holy Communion. By doing so they recall God’s action in sending Jesus and encounter this gift of love as a reality today.
Ponder
A particular phrase, certain objects, places, music, even smells bring back memories of people we have loved.
How do you remember those people who have been important to you in your life?
Pray
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.