At the Last Supper, Jesus foretells the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. It is a dark moment, revealing to us both the reason why Christ came, and his commitment to offering his life on the Cross.
In the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel Jesus says that he is the Bread of Life, and as we hear these words in the context of the New Testament and the early Church we come to the awareness that this bread – our reception of Holy Communion at Mass – is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ!
Today’s reading from Exodus reveals how the Lord directed the Passover Meal to Moses and Aaron. This passage thus establishes the Passover as a central part of Jewish prayer which will ultimately set the context for the Eucharist. It was during a Passover Meal with his disciples that Jesus offers the New Covenant through his Body and Blood…which frees us from the bondage of sin and leads us to eternal life.
In the darkness of night Judas departs from the Last Supper to betray Jesus while Peter boasts that he will die for the Lord. This is the hour that the light of Christ will shine, inspiring us to look into our hearts and repent of our sins before the one who gives his life for our salvation.
We begin the Sacred Triduum with the solemn gathering around the altar. Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we are strengthened by God’s grace for service in the world.
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Three Great Things 