Each of the four Gospels relate to us accounts of the Last
Supper. In each of the four Gospels, the Lord Jesus gathers to celebrate the
Passover meal with his apostles in the upper room.
St. John’s account of the Last Supper, from which we’ll read
all this week, differs significantly from the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew,
Mark, and Luke in several key ways—both in content and in theological emphasis.
All three Synoptic Gospels explicitly describe Jesus
instituting the Eucharist with the words, “This is my body… This is my blood…”
during the Last Supper.
St. John omits the institution narrative entirely. St. John
conveys the Eucharistic teachings of Jesus after the miracle of multiplication,
in his Bread of Life discourse, where he teaches “Unless you eat the flesh of
the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you”
Unique to John’s Gospel is the account of Jesus washing the
disciples feet. That act of humble service serves as a profound reminder for us
of the meaning of discipleship, love, and Christian leadership.
And four whole chapters of John’s Gospel, from which we read
all this week, is the extended Farewell Discourse—where Jesus offers deep
theological teaching and prays for his disciples the High Priestly Prayer.
The theologically and mystically profound Farewell Discourse
prepares the disciples for the sorrow and scandal of the Crucifixion. 'I am
going away and I will come back to you.' Jesus will die and be buried and then
come back on the third day.
But these words also refer to the Lord’s Ascension and
eventual return, in which Jesus will “go away” from us as he ascends into
heaven, but will “come back” again when he returns in the Parousia.
We live in this in between time—in between the Lord’s
Ascension and the Lord’s return—and so his instruction to the disciples at the
Last Supper is an instruction for us. In this age of the Church, we are to
return over and over to the teachings given at the Last Supper, because they
are relevant to our current situation.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” when you
cannot see Jesus. “The Lord of the World”—the enemy—the anti-Christ—will have
some power in this world—the powers of evil and malice will often attempt to
obscure the Gospel and the abiding presence of God with his Church. “Do not let
your hearts be troubled”. Have faith. Be filled with peace. God has equipped us
with what we need for this in between time. We must simply make use of the time
and the gifts that we have been given—His teachings, His example, and the gift
of His Body and Blood--for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Trusting in the abiding presence of Christ, let us offer our
prayers to God who is faithful in every age.
For Pope Leo, all bishops, priests, and deacons, that
through humble service and fidelity to the Gospel, they may model the
leadership of Christ who washed the feet of His disciples. Let us pray to the
Lord.
For leaders of nations, that they may seek peace, serve the
common good, and respect the dignity of all people entrusted to their care. Let
us pray to the Lord.
For those who have wandered from the Church or grown
lukewarm in their faith, that they may rediscover the power of the Eucharist
and the love of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those burdened by illness, poverty, fear, anxiety, or
uncertainty, that the abiding presence of Christ with the Church and his
promises may console and strengthen them with peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved dead, that through the power of Christ’s
Resurrection, they may be welcomed into the fullness of joy and eternal life.
Let us pray to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, your Son taught us how to abide in your peace.
Strengthen us with your grace that we may serve faithfully and live in the hope
of His coming. Through Christ our Lord.
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