Jesus brings fulfillment to the law and the prophets.  Accordingly, he gives to the Passover meal its full meaning.  To take part in the Eucharist is to share in the fullness of Christ.

Jesus and his disciples are pilgrims in Jerusalem.  And they celebrate there the Passover in fulfillment of their religious duty.  A fellow Jew has generously made a room available.

At supper, however, Jesus goes beyond the fulfillment of the prescribed rituals.  That is because he does two surprising things.  In the first place, as he gives out the blessed and broken bread, he says, “Take it; this is my body.”  In the second place, he takes the cup of blessing and thanksgiving, from which all drink.  And right away he teaches them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for all.”

The first surprise makes clear that that Jesus is giving himself to his followers in the bread. He gives himself generously and completely.  He offers himself to us so that we may eat him up like bread.

The second surprise reveals that he gives his own life as a sacrifice.  He is the sacrifice without blemish, the sacrificial lamb, that cleanses us and leads us to worship the living God.  For this reason, he is the mediator of the new covenant that he seals with his blood.

So then, the Passover Supper gives way to the Supper of the Lord, the Passover Memorial, to the Eucharistic Memorial.  And in this way, figures of old attain their fulfillment.

And the essence of this fulfillment is that it consists in total self-giving.

One reaches, yes, this fulfillment when one loves to the extreme, to the end, to death.  Surely, there can be no love greater than to give oneself, to lay down one’s life, for others.

But this end is not final.  This death gives way to eternal life in the kingdom of God.  There will be a toast in the kingdom, with new wine.  Infinitely inventive indeed is Christ’s love (SV.EN XI:131).

Lord Jesus, make us share in your passion and death, so that we may share in your fulfillment, your fullness.

3 June 2018
Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (B)
Ex 24, 3-8; Heb 9, 11-15; Mk 14, 1-16. 22-26