Today our focus turns to the last two days before Christ’s death as we remember the Institution of the Eucharist which is also the fifth Luminous Mystery of the Rosary. I hope that our reflection will give some food for thought as we meditate on this mystery when we pray the Rosary, but above all when we actually celebrate it in the Mass. Saint Bernadette also made her First Holy Communion before the last apparition, pointing to the fact that the Eucharist is a significant part of the message of Lourdes.
Our reading describes the first Passover meal of the Chosen People while they were still in Egypt. Let us note that the meal itself is part of a much bigger event lasting four days, beginning with the selection of the animal in obedience to the Lord’s instruction and ending with Him passing over the homes of all those in Egypt. Relatively little is said of the meal itself. Likewise our Eucharist begins with our obedience to the commandments which may be summarised as believing in Jesus and loving one another (1 John 3:23). The fruit of the Eucharist comes after the celebration itself. Do I think of the events of my life, especially deliberate acts of obedience to the Commandments as being an integral part of my relationship to the Lord in the Eucharist?
As the doors of the houses were marked by the blood of the lamb, so our bodies, houses or temples of the Holy Spirit are marked by the blood of Christ which we receive in the Eucharist. Do I believe that the Eucharist will protect and deliver me from whatever evil may threaten me? Consequently does the Eucharist give me the courage to reach out when I would rather withdraw?
An animal without blemish is sacrificed and if necessary shared with others, not necessarily relatives or friends but neighbours. Do I see the sacrifice of my possessions and my willingness to share with anyone in need whom I come across as another integral part of my celebration of the Eucharist?
The meal is eaten with bitter herbs (verse 8). Am I satisfied with the Eucharist as an unchallenging ritual? During the Eucharistic celebration itself, am I prepared to struggle to overcome distractions and make a real effort to participate? Do I also make an effort to accept, without judgement, all who partake in the celebration in good faith? Do I give too much importance to the externals of the Mass rather than focusing on the sacrifice fo Christ and what it means?
The meal is also to be eaten hastily. The Eucharist is not for the “take it easy” type of disciple. There is an urgency to reach the goal, the Kingdom of God. It is not only to be enjoyed as a social event but is to give strength for the road ahead.
Lord, in the Eucharist Your sacrifice on the Cross is mystically made present. May I allow it to challenge me each time I participate. May it be a firm defence against all the wiles of my enemies seen and unseen and may it encourage and strengthen me as I hasten towards You.
Let us pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
1 av. Monseigneur Théas
