Dinner with Jesus

WEEK 6


INTRODUCTION


Jesus loved having meals with the people he loved. He ate with all sorts of people, sharing stories (including stories about feasts), healing and forgiving, sometimes calling out, and probably sharing much laughter (even if scripture doesn’t record this). It’s no surprise that his last meal with his friends—what we call the Last Supper—is central to who we are as people of faith. Like Jesus, we gather to eat with all sorts of people. We share the stories of Jesus, heal and forgive, and often laugh when we gather. Jesus’ Last Supper has been transformed into Our Supper with him still present in the bread of his body and the wine of his blood. Jesus loves having meals with the people he loves—us.

This Lent our spiritual practices have encouraged us to grow deeper in our love relationship with God. They have asked us to stretch ourselves by being in conversation with God, letting go of the life clutter that keeps us from remembering who we are as God’s beloved children, and resting in trust. Encouraged and stretched, we begin Holy Week with shouts of praise on Palm Sunday that turn to tears of grief on Good Friday. In between, there is this intimate meal that promises us that no dark day of crosses can extinguish the light of love in Jesus. As we gather for this meal during Holy Week and beyond, it is reminder that Love that is resurrected on Easter and remains with us forever.

This Week's Scripture:

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”     — Matthew 26:26-29

Invitations

Look back over these past weeks of Lent. What are the gifts, graces, and surprises of God?



Reflect on your spiritual practices. How did they grow you? What was frustrating? How might you continue in them going forward?



Holy Communion—that meal with Jesus and us—is a spiritual practice. How do you or could grow it as an intentional practice in your life?


This week we focus on our Meal with Jesus in our scripture reading. Are there any words or ideas that especially resonate with you or challenge you? How might these words inspire Communion as a spiritual practice for you?



Our prayer this week is a modern rendition of the Anima Christ. Let this centuries old prayer accompany you this week and during Holy Week.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER

Jesus, may all that is you flow into me.

May your body and blood be my food and drink.

May your passion and death be my strength and life.

Jesus, with you by my side enough has been given.

May the shelter I seek be the shadow of your cross.

Let me not run from the love which you offer.

But hold me safe from the forces of evil

On each of my doings shed your light and your love.

Keep calling to me until that day comes,

When with your saints, I may praise you forever. Amen.