The Most Holy Blood of Christ.

Year B 1st Sunday in June Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was sacrificed, his disciples said to Jesus, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the city and you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him, and say to the owner of the house which he enters, “The Master says: Where is my dining room in which I can eat the Passover with my disciples?” He will show you a large upper room furnished with couches, all prepared. Make the preparations for us there.’
The disciples set out and went to the city and found everything as he had told them and prepared the Passover. And as they were eating he took some bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to them. ‘Take it’, he said ‘this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had returned thanks he gave it to them, and all drank from it, and he said to them, ‘This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, which is to be poured out for many. I tell you solemnly, I shall not drink any more wine until the day I drink the new wine in the kingdom of God.’ After Psalms had been sung they left for the Mount of Olives.

Guidelines:

 ‘and make preparations’ – Let the passage remind you of a time when you made preparations for a special celebration; for example, a family wedding, a christening, a friend’s home-coming, a retirement. Who was there for the planning and the excitement of organising the event?  Can you remember decorating the room, ensuring that the food and drinks were plentiful? Bring to mind the people who shared the occasion with you. Can you remember the conversations and the sharing of stories and memories? Give thanks for the gift of their presence and their friendship. Lord, we are grateful for the opportunities you give us to share our joy and happiness with others.

‘He broke it and gave it to them…’Let the passage remind you of people in our families, workplaces and communities who always give freely of their time to others. People who, like Jesus, reach out in fellowship and love and constantly give of themselves. Lord, may their spirit of generosity continue to provide good examples and role models in our lives and help sustain us on our journey to true discipleship.

‘After Psalms had been had been sung…’Take a few moments to reflect on the gift of music and song in our prayer life. We give thanks for all who offer their talents and enrich our experience of worship here in St Catherine’s. Let the words of your favourite hymn sing in your heart this week.