Last Times

And how about Jesus’ Last Supper: the apostles did not know it would be their last time sitting and eating with Jesus as they observed the Passover. When Jesus changed the bread and wine into His Body and Blood, He told them, “Do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19) Did the apostles grasp the meaning? How could they take it all in? Jesus was giving them something to nourish them so that when he had died and risen and ascended into heaven, they, and we, could still have his physical presence.

All the witnesses to the crucifixion and death of Jesus assumed that would be the last time they would experience him among them, but the Lord’s definition of “last time” is not always the same as ours. We will soon celebrate the wonderful fact that Jesus did rise from the seemingly “last time” on earth and walked among men and women until he ascended into heaven.

As we near the end of Lent, why not think about the last time we attended all the Holy Week church services? When was the last time we stopped rushing around and sat down and took stock of all the blessings you enjoy? With the onset of springtime, let’s enjoy the chance of warmly rising to new heights as we take advantage of the graces offered to us by our living, loving Savior, Jesus Christ!

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Painting: The Raising of Lazarus (detail), Sabastiano del Piombo, circa 1517-1519; National Gallery, London. Public domain.

Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.