Until the kingdom of God comes ...

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And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

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The last thing that Jesus did with his disciples was to share a meal. Unlike the communion table that is spread in some churches this table resembled more of an intimate supper than a sacramental rite. Like most Seder meals bread and wine were on the menu. It was a time of reflection and rejoicing that traced its history back to the liberation and exodus of the Israelis from Egyptian bondage. Yet this dinner was so much more as Christ shared in a most intimate way.

As he spoke Christ both acknowledged this historic meal and instituted a new meal that would be shared by Christians in the coming centuries. In it we see illusions to both the Passover lamb that they ate that night and the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. In these words we see three meals: the Passover Seder; Holy Communion; and the heavenly Wedding Supper. When we share in Christ's table with others we embrace our past, present and future.

We remember you Lord Jesus Christ and await that time when we will share a meal with you in heaven.

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