The Last Supper was Jesus’ way of showing his disciples and all of us what he was doing for us.  He used the common elements of bread and wine to be the symbols of his body and blood.  Then he broke the bread and said, “This is my body broken for you.”  He poured the wine into the cup and said, “This is my blood poured out for you for the forgiveness of  your sins.”  Jesus was laying down his life for us so that we might live.  In John 13:38, Jesus asks “Will you lay down your life for me?”

This painting is “The Last Supper” (ca 160) by Tintoretto.   I love the multitude that is present!  When we experience the Last Supper, we are one with all the saints in Heaven.  This painting certainly expresses that wonderful communion!  It transcends the boundaries of time and place.

We celebrate the Last Supper during Holy Week.  There is a certain Last Supper I will never forget!  It took place at Montgomey UMC, and on that night we reenacted that moment with the disciples in costume.  Those who attended were all seated around tables and the disciples were to serve the holy meal to everyone else.  The communion table was set in the shape of a large cross in the midst of all the other tables.  It’s presence was huge in the room.  It was covered in white cloths.  There was a large basket filled with various breads and 12 chalices of different sizes and colors.

I was dressed in a white robe.  As I led the liturgy for communion, I lifted high the bread and broke it before the people.  I then picked up the clear glass pitcher of wine.  I wanted the people to see the wine.  I lifted it high so they could see and hear the wine being poured out for them.

I began to be aware that due to the various sizes of the chalices, the wine did not hit them all in the same manner.  Underneath them all was a stark white tablecloth and I was trying to be careful not to spill.  Then, all of a sudden, the wine fell into a smaller chalice and splashed out.  In fact, it splattered out all over that white tablecloth!  

There was immediately a silent gasp all over the room.  It seemed that all eternity stood still in that moment.  I looked at the wine splattered all over the white cloth and suddenly it all became real for me.  It was the blood of Christ poured out for me, for all of us.  It was as if Christ was standing across that cross shaped table from me and this was a mirror reflection of him.  I was so filled with joy that I began to enthusiastically pour, and pour, and pour, unreservedly… letting the wine splatter all over the table.  I didn’t want to stop!  I wanted the whole world to see the blood of Christ poured out for them!  None of us will ever forget that moment…EVER!

Pondering…

Is there a Last Supper that stands out in your mind and heart?

How is this meal “Holy” for you?

Can we lay down our life for Christ?

nk