Here you should call to memory some of the special and most loving words from that meal so as to grasp in your heart how much love Jesus showed them there. For instance,
I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I die.
You will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.
You will weep and mourn while the world rejoices; you will grieve,
but your grief will turn to joy.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to see you.
You ought to understand, to break and to chew upon those words with al your strength, and with great sobs you should observe how far you are from them yourself. Then consider the prayer he uttered in agony and his resignation of himself into the hands of his heavenly Father even to bitter death and also that bloody sweat he sweat in fear of the death he was about to suffer. Now throw yourself to the ground and with the loud voice of your heart and folded hands cry out and say, "O grieving Lord, how shall I repay you for all you have given me. I will accept the cup of salvation" (Psalm 116:12).
Lamb
Francisco Zurbaran, 17th century
Today's Lectionary:
- Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14
- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
- John 13:1-17, 21b-35
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. PSALM 84:4
