THE LAST SUPPER
(A biblical refection on HOLY THURSDAY – 28th of March 2013)
First Reading: Ex 12:1-8,11-14; Psalms: Ps 116:12-13,15-18; Second Reading: 1Cor 11:23-26; Gospel Reading: Jn 13:1-15 (additional Gospel Reading: Lk 22:15-19)
As He sat down to the “last supper” table, Jesus said to His friends, “I have greatly desired to eat this passover with you.” What was that great desire of Jesus? What desires of Jesus did the institution of the Holy Eucharist fulfill?
St. Thomas Aquinas says, if we examine the words of Jesus in the Gospels, at least five purposes or desires of Jesus appear:
1) So that we would not forget Him. “Do this in memory of Me” (Lk 22:19). Jesus says by this, “Keep Me ever in your mind and in your heart.”
2) So that He could be our food, our spiritual strength and healing. “I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (Jn 6:35). “This bread is My flesh, given for the life of the world” (Jn 6:51).
3) So that by the Eucharist He could be our sacrifice, and win forgiveness of sins for us. He would be our peace offering, our gift to the Father. “This is My Body, which will be given up for you” (Lk 22:19). “This is My Blood of the new covenant, which is being shed for man, for the forgiveness of sins” (Mt 26:27-28).
4) So that we could personally experience His deep love for us and His presence with us. Jesus had indicated that He wanted a personal friendship with each believer, each person who accepted His love. “Whoever eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood abides in Me and I in him” (Jn 6:56). “As the living Father sent Me, and as I live because of Him, so whoever eats Me will live because of Me” (Jn 6:57).
5) So that we may share in His Resurrection. “If anyone eats of this Bread He will live forever” (Jn 6:51). “Whoever eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood has eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day” (Jn 6:54). Holy Communion is our personal share in the power and glory of the Risen Jesus.
So the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, is the Church’s way of continuing what Jesus began at the last supper.
Jesus, thank You for this wondrous mystery, the Bread of Life, by which we can be so near to You and experience Your strength, Your forgiveness, and Your healing power. Than You for the share in Your risen glory which You give us in this Sacrament.
Note: Taken from Bernard C. Mischke OSC and Fritz Mischke OSC, PRAY TODAY’S GOSPEL, Makati, Philippines: St. Paul Publications, 1990, pages 89-90.
