On Holy Thursday night, in the garden of Gethsemani, hundreds of soldiers fell to the ground when Jesus of Nazareth said, "I AM" (Jn 18:6). Yet this all-powerful, divine God-Man sweated blood on that night and asked the Father to let this cup pass Him by (Lk 22:42). He embraced the cup that would not "pass Him by," and He left His apostles the cup of blessing (Mt 26:27).
His cup included washing the feet of His apostles. He used jars of water that were for ceremonial washing. As He changed water into wine at Cana (Jn 2:6), Jesus even gave His apostles, and us, "new wine" that far surpassed the choicest wine at Cana (Lk 22:18-20).
His cup included letting Himself be nailed to the cross for those who betrayed and denied Him. He prayed for their unity, strength and protection. He Who did not know sin, became sin for us, who were indifferent to Him (2 Cor 5:21). Mocked and scorned, Jesus died between two criminals. His own received Him not (Jn 1:11), despite centuries of prophecy given for the purpose of preparing their hearts.
"How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God" (Rm 11:33). How rich in mercy He is (Eph 2:4). He gave His Body for us in the Eucharist. Can you drink the same cup for Him Who gave His Body for you? Receive Jesus as He greatly desires to be received (Lk 22:15) — in this gift of His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, You thirst for me to drink Your cup. I shall make a return to You by committing to receive You as You desire. |
| PROMISE: | "Every time, then, you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes!" –1 Cor 11:26 |
| PRAISE: | Praise the Eucharistic Jesus, Who humbles Himself for us! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College