Last Supper
Cathedral of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
Dear friends,
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the words of Jesus at the Last Supper. Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,
Do this in remembrance of me.
He did the same with the cup, saying,
Do this, as often as you drink it,
in remembrance of me.
Paul emphasizes the importance of remembering these words, not only as a way of honoring Jesus, but also as a way of strengthening our connection with one another as members of his body.
Similarly, in John 13:33-35, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the new commandment he gives them: to love one another as he has loved them. He tells them that this love is a sign of their discipleship, and that others will know they are his followers by the love they have for one another.
As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded of the central importance of love in our lives. Love is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a way of being in the world. It is an active, intentional choice to care for others and to put their needs before our own.
Jesus modeled this kind of love in his life and ministry. He demonstrated it in his willingness to serve others, to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, and to offer forgiveness to all who sought it. And he ultimately showed us the depth of this love in his sacrifice on the cross, where he gave his life for the sake of all humanity.
On this Maundy Thursday, as we remember Jesus' example of love and service, let us be inspired to follow in his footsteps. Let us seek to love one another as he has loved us, to serve one another with humility and compassion, and to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others.
May the spirit of love and compassion that Jesus embodied be with us always, and may we find strength and courage in his example to live our lives with purpose and meaning, in service to one another and to the world.