This Sunday we celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi...Today we look at the last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples, and try to understand its special significance for us as Christians.
I wonder how many of you will have at least one of your meals today on your lap in front of the television? Perhaps breakfast was like that – unless you came to school early and had something at the breakfast club.
Everybody seems to be so busy these days that families do not always get the chance to sit down together at mealtimes.
There will be some times, though, when every family, no matter how busy, sit around a table to share a meal. It may be at a birthday, at Christmas, Matariki or Diwali; it may be to celebrate a special anniversary.
On such occasions we get the opportunity to talk together, to share the best food we can afford and to enjoy one another’s company. Sometimes these mealtimes will be remembered for years to come – maybe because of the people who were with us or perhaps because of something that happened at the time.
During the last supper Jesus took some bread, thanked God for it, broke it and shared it out among his friends. As he gave it to them he said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ Then he poured out some wine into a cup, thanked God for it, and passed the cup round to each disciple. He said, ‘This is my blood, of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’
Although the disciples did not realize it at the time, this was the last meal that Jesus would have with all of them together. Soon he would be arrested, beaten, mocked by his captors and put to death on a cross like a common criminal. Only afterwards, when Jesus rose from the dead, did they understand just how important was that last evening meal, or supper.
All Christian churches remember that last meal in a service called ‘the Lord’s Supper’ or ‘Holy Communion’ or ‘the Eucharist’. Those who take part share bread and wine as Jesus did that evening, and remember what he said to his friends. Not all churches celebrate it in quite the same way, but for all Christians it is a very special and solemn service.
Time for reflection
Think of a meal that you remember as a very special time.
Who was with you?
What was the occasion?
What made it especially memorable?
Look at the picture of The Last Supper.
Which one do you think is Jesus?
How many disciples are there?
Which one do you think is Judas?
What do you think Jesus has just said to them?
Let us pray together
Hands on...
Click the picture to be taken to the website
At the Altar would be good for seniors - looking at symbols. Links to sacraments well.
Senior school challenge...
What does Transubstantiation mean?
Post the answer on your blog and let Miss Steele know so she can comment.