Last Supper again

October 8 and 9, 2025

Good morning,

The Last Supper

Most churches celebrate the last meal that Jesus has with his friends. Catholics can have bread and cup everyday. Most Mennonites do the meal twice or three times a year. The Quakers remember, but do not do the drinking and eating of the meal.  How important is taking the bread and cup for your faith ? What happens to you when you take the sip and eat a small piece of bread ? Catholics believe that the cup becomes the actual blood of our Lord, and then the bread is transformed into the actual flesh of Jesus. There is great mystery in this, and by taking the communion elements the grace of God comes down upon you and in you. Mennonites are supposed to be in the right relationship with our sister and brothers before we can come to the table. John in his Gospel does not say that.

At the end of chapter 14 of the last meal, Jesus continues to confuse his friends. He is going away, but he will come back. I wonder if there was a harsh argument here with Peter, John and James and the others. ” Jesus, you said that you have brought the Kingdom of God to the world, and now you are saying you are going to leave… but then come back. ” ( and by the way, from a present-day disciple, you have not come back ). Teh Gospel does say that the disciples soemtimes get frustrated with Jesus,a nd that is just fine for a faithful person to say such a thing.
Jesus tells them he will not leave them alone . He will give them the ‘ Holy Spirit ‘. It is not a flesh and blood person, but a nebulous being that floats around the new community that is left without its leader. The Spirit is hard to describe. How does the Spirit play a role in your life ? Have you ever seen the Spirit move around, when you have not been able to hold  it. ?

” I have told you now before it happens,

                     so that when it does happen you will believe. 

                           I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. 

                                                   He has no hold over me,

              but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. ” John 14:29-31

The Holy Spirit will help us in this world where the prince of this world is winning ? Oh no !!

Fred

black and white shadows

crush humanity’s freedom

Am I complicit ?