I - The Last Supper

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.  

During the meal Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. “Take this and eat it,” he said, “this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them. “All of you must drink from it,” he said, “for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, to be poured out in behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink this fruit of the vine from now until the day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s reign.” (Mt 26:26-29)  

Heavenly Father, will we ever understand all that Jesus has done for us? As he gathered with his disciples for the last time before he died, he washed their feet to teach us that we must serve each other. And then while at table, breaking bread and sharing the cup, Jesus offered the gift of himself to his disciples – and to us. In the midst of the problems and pains of our lives, it is easy to forget that we must serve as Jesus did. As he gave himself to us in the Eucharist, nourish and sustain us that we might share his life and his love with others. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen

Lord Jesus, crucified and risen, have mercy on us.