DAILY PRAYER

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.’”   (Mt 26:17-18)

Jesus and His disciples went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Thousands of Israelites went to Jerusalem to do the same. Passover was the most important celebration of the Jewish people.  The Jews commemorated their delivery from slavery in Egypt. They commemorated the pact between God and His chosen people.  It was a national feast of thanksgiving.

Each family was required to bring to the temple an unblemished lamb, which a priest would offer in sacrifice.

At the Last Supper, Jesus and His apostles were going to do the same. Yet Jesus was about to institute a New Passover. Now it wouldn’t be the flesh or blood of lambs that would win a hearing from God.  Rather, it would be the very Body and Blood of the Lord Himself, offered to the Father in expiation of our sins.  It would be an offering for all time and all people, sealing with the Blood of Christ — the Lamb of God — a New Covenant between God and man.

It is essential that we, too, participate in the New Passover instituted by Our Lord. We do so when we partake of His Body and His Blood in the Holy Eucharist at Mass.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 78:24: “God rained manna upon them for food; bread from heaven he gave them.”

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