Mystery

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Mystery

Eternal     Life

Searching     Sacrificing     Sharing

Follow the Water-Bearer

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(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:  Mark 14: 12 to 16, 22 to 26

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where should we go and get the Passover meal ready for you?"

Jesus sent two of his disciples into the city with these instructions: "You will meet a man in the city who will be carrying a jug of water. Follow after him and when he enters a home, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I can eat the Passover with my disciples?"' Then he will show you a large upper room that is furnished and all set for the meal. Get the Passover ready for us there." The disciples followed what Jesus had told them and found it exactly as He indicated. They prepared the Passover meal.

During the meal, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and passed it to them saying, "Take it; this is my body." Then He held the cup and again gave thanks, passing it to each one and they all drank from it. Jesus said, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the time when I drink it anew in God's Kingdom." Then, after singing a hymn, they traveled to the Mount of Olives. 

(scripture adapted by John J. McNamara)

Reflection

In this passage from the Gospel of Mark the disciples were wondering where they could go to celebrate the Passover together. They are well aware that the authorities are looking for Jesus. This is going to be a difficult situation.

The instructions that Jesus give seem very mysterious. The two disciples that Jesus choose have to place a lot of trust in Him and this plan. As we look at it, it seems very vague.

As the disciples enter the city, they follow the man carrying the water jug. This would have been unusual because it was a woman's role.

They follow the man and it develops in exactly the way that Jesus had indicated. The trust that the disciples placed in Jesus was rewarded. His word is true.

During the meal Jesus adds to the Passover ritual. He makes the point that He wants to share Himself with the disciples in a very personal way. He wants to give Himself totally---and not only to the disciples but to all of us.

This amazing mystery, which we call the Eucharist, indicates how deeply Jesus loves us. He was celebrating this Passover in very difficult circumstances. All the preparations had to be done secretly as we have seen.

Jesus ignores all the hardships and thinks only of us---how can I show them how deeply they are loved?

The Eucharist reminds us of how giving Jesus is. He will allow nothing to separate us from His embrace. It is an embrace that makes us feel comfortable. It leads us home.

Enjoy that embrace.

Always!

1. Do you find it hard sometimes to place your trust in Jesus?

2. Who are some of the Water-Bearers you have followed who have led you to Jesus?

3. How do you feel when you reflect on the mystery of the Eucharist?

4. What can separate you from the embrace of Jesus in the Eucharist?

5. As you reflect on Kathy's photo what do you see?