Sharing life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: The theme of covenant can be found in all three readings. The Exodus reading gives us a dramatic account of the ratification of the Sinai covenant between God and Israel. The second reading speaks about Jesus as the High Priest and Mediator of the New Covenant. In the gospel, we listen to Mark's account of the institution of the Eucharist, which took place during the Passover meal. Through his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus establishes a new covenant with all of humankind. A new rite (the Eucharist) was instituted, which would be a perpetual reminder of the intimate bond that now exists between God and his people. In the Eucharist, Jesus shares his life with us.

Now read the readings, pausing briefly after each one. Consider reading the commentary after each reading, if you do not already do so.

FIRST READING: Exodus 24:3-8

When people negotiate an agreement with one another, there are a variety of ways in which the agreement is sealed or ratified. In some cases, a person's word was sufficient. In other cases, the agreement was finalized with a handshake. Today, most serious agreements are sealed with the signing of legal documents in the presence of witnesses and a notary public.

In today's first reading, we have a dramatic account of how Moses, representing his people, sealed their Sinai covenant with God. First, Moses recounts to the Israelites "all the words and ordinances of the Lord." And the people with one voice said, "We will do everything that the Lord has told us." Then Moses writes down the words he has just spoken to the people and then reads them aloud again. And once again the people say, "All that the Lord has said we will hear and do." The writing down and second reading of the agreement emphasizes the seriousness of the covenant or agreement that the people were entering into. The terms being stated and accepted, the covenant was then formally sealed with a blood ritual. Half of the blood of the animal is poured upon the altar, which symbolizes God, and half is sprinkled on the people. God and the people become "blood relatives." They share life and pledge fidelity to each other. Using blood in the sealing of the covenant meant "take my life if I break this covenant."

PSALM 116

This psalm is chosen for its Eucharistic overtones of thanksgiving and its image of taking up a cup. In its original context, it was a prayer of thanksgiving for deliverance from a life-threatening situation.

SECOND READING: Hebrews 9:11-15

Like the High Priest on the Day of Atonement, Jesus, now our great High Priest, enters not an earthly sanctuary but a heavenly sanctuary to perform the rite of purification. Unlike the earthly priest who entered the sanctuary again and again to make repeated atonement, Christ enters once and for all in a definitive act of reconciliation. In addition, the blood offered is not the blood of an animal, but the blood of Jesus, which cleanses us from all sin.

GOSPEL: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

Reflecting on today's Gospel, Fr. Terence Keegan writes: The feast of Unleavened Bread lasted a full week, beginning with the day of preparation for Passover. All the preparations for the Passover meal, including the sacrifice of the lambs, had to be completed by sundown, the end of the Jewish day. That evening the Passover meal would be eaten. It was eaten every year as a remembrance of Israel's liberation from Egypt. This final Passover meal, eaten by Jesus and the Twelve, becomes a symbol of our liberation from every kind of bondage. Jesus is here sharing with his disciples the full meaning of what he will accomplish on the cross.

In the Semitic understanding, the term "body" meant much more than the flesh as distinct from the blood. It meant the entire being, physical as well as mental. It referred to the whole person. What Jesus means by the words "this is my body" (Mark 14:22) is that his entire person is being given to nourish those who follow him.

The significance of the "blood", however, is somewhat different. "Blood" is the bearer of life. Jesus will pour out his life on the cross so that all mankind can share that life. At the Last Supper, therefore, Jesus nourishes his followers with his entire being and enters into a New Covenant with them by allowing them to drink his very life. Jesus' final comment is primarily an assurance to the disciples that the banquet to which he had invited them would continue beyond the climactic events of the next day.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse spoke to you most? Why?

2. Each time we participate in the Eucharist we renew our covenant with the Lord. Concretely, what might this mean to you?

3. Name ways you can be Eucharist to others? How can you be a life-giver for others?

4. How do you feel about how the Eucharist is celebrated in your parish? What is done well? What could be improved? Especially consider the following: hospitality, the proclamation of the Word, the congregation's singing, reverence.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today's Scriptures. Suggestion: Take a serious look at the commitments you have made in your life and see how well you are living up to them.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray especially for Catholics who no longer come to Mass. Then pray together the following prayer. ©