Jesus is the Eucharist WEEK B-MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

MARK 14: 12-16, 22-26

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there." The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover. While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "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 day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

1. UNDERSTAND IT! UNLEAVENED: Made without yeast, an ingredient that allows bread to grow FURNISHED: To already have furniture, chairs; a prepared room COVENANT: An agreement, promise HYMN: A religious song, poem

2. EXPLORE IT! In the Gospel, the disciples prepared in advance for the sacrament of the Eucharist to take place. The disciples followed Jesus’ direction to find the location and prepare the space so that upon Jesus’ arrival, the blessing could take place. Jesus took bread, blessed the bread, broke the bread, and shared it with His disciples. Similar words and actions follow as Jesus shares the chalice with His disciples. This bread now shared is Jesus’ own body. Those who drink from the chalice are invited to share in a new covenant, which will be sealed by Jesus’ own blood.

3. CONNECT IT! In today’s Gospel, it reminds us that the Eucharist is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. We believe that Jesus is truly present to us in the elements of bread and wine. Each time we celebrate this sacrament, we prepare for the Kingdom of God. When you prepare for dinner, are there routines you go through? Who sets up the table? Who usually cooks? What day is for what particular food? Today’s Gospel is similar to what you might have experienced at home, school, or even in Thiếu Nhi.

Notice how Jesus instructed His disciples to prepare for the Passover meal? All meals required planning and preparation. We all share in the tradition of preparation when we go to mass as well, from the priest preparing a homily to the choir selecting and practicing before mass! In what ways are we supposed to prepare for mass? This includes fasting and being without mortal sin.

4. LIVE IT! [ THANKFULNESS ] THANKFULNESS: Aware of a benefit, to be grateful, expressive of gratitude. Preparation can take a long time. We take for granted what others do that help make our lives easier, especially with our mass example earlier. Each night, think about who in your life prepares for their day, week, or even month that impacts you. Reflect and write why you are thankful for what they do to make the day fruitful for you.

5. REMEMBER IT! While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” (Mark 14:22)

6. PRAY IT! Lord, We are thankful for those who sacrifice their time, and energy to prepare themselves each day, each week, each month. We pray that we can recognize even the smallest bits of effort from those around us to make life better for others, and build the courage to say “thank you” for all they do. Amen