the e-Testament

In the Gospel of Mark, the Last Supper is placed within the context of central and most important Jewish feast, Passover. The chosen people of Israel were slaves in Egypt and were led by the reluctant prophet, Moses into a life of freedom. That freedom came at a cost after much wandering, suffering, arguments and pain, with Moses unable to "Passover" to that new land of freedom himself. That first Passover Meal was for a people in a hurry, for people about to embark on this journey into the unknown-they could not even wait for the bread to rise so they had to eat it unleavened. Jesus, at the Last Supper, takes this bread of life and cup of blessing and transforms them further: the apostles were invited to share the very life of their Lord and do their best not only to "talk the talk", but, more importantly, "walk the walk.". As Christians today we join with countless fellow pilgrims through history who take this body and drink this blood. On this wonderful feast of Corpus Christi let us remember that the risen Lord offers us food and drink for our journey through life; this bread of life and cup of blessing will sustain us, especially through those rough patches that we all experience. This week our journey might be like that of Moses of old or even a call to share the way of the cross with Jesus; through this wonderful gift of Corpus Christi may we all move forward together.

 

Gerry O'Shaughnessy - Salesian Priest