Body and blood of Christ

Mark 14: 12 - 16; 22 - 26

Take; this is my body; This is my blood of the covenant

The Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples transformed the Passover of the old covenant into the meal of the "new covenant in my blood". In the Old Covenant bread and wine were offered in sacrifice as a grateful thanksgiving to their Creator. The "cup of blessing" at the end of the Jewish Passover meal points to the messianic expectation of the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Jesus used this occasion to explain his coming crucifixion and sacrifice for sins. His death on the cross fulfilled the sacrifice of the passover lamb.

Each time we partake of the Lord's Supper/Eucharist today, we are invited to take Jesus' life into the very center of our being. This life is the life of God himself, reminder and symbol of his unconditional offer of love and life. A most solemn, beautiful and meaningful occasion of thanksgiving. An empowering symbol for us - as we seek God's graces to strengthen our inner being.