“Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my body, which will be given up for you.”

Last year, my husband and I, along with some good friends, took a drive to a local retreat center, to experience something new, a re-enactment of The Last Supper.  We thought it would be a great way to focus our thoughts during Lent, although we didn’t know what to expect.  The “stage” for the play, as we entered, was sparce except for a long table, covered in a simple white cloth, with an array  of bowls, candles and chalices.   We waited in anticipation for the show to begin, still not knowing the impact this event would have on all of us.

As all the actors entered the room, each were dressed as the disciples and Jesus, making their way to their appropriate spot in the scene.  We immediately realized this was going to be no ordinary play.  Their placement at the long table, both disciples and Jesus, mirrored the famous Leonardo DaVinci painting, “The Last Supper.”  There was no movement, no words spoken, as the play progressed, each actor posed exactly like the portrait, whether standing, sitting, hands raised in the air or on the shoulder of another disciple, just like the painting.  Then only one disciple would move from his statue-like presence at a time and speak about himself and the statement that Jesus made, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.”  At the end of their presentation, they would each ask the question, “Was it I?” and return to their original spot and pose.

I felt, along with our friends, like I was in the upper room, invited to witness a truly emotional time in Jesus’ life, His last supper with those He loved, and the disciples’ somber mood, curiosity, and fear, still not understanding what was happening.

Being part of this experience made me appreciate more what was going on that night.  Jesus raised the unleavened bread to Heaven and then the chalice, blessing both, requesting they eat and drink for it IS His Body and Blood. 

Many times, we may wish we had been able to be a companion with Jesus during His ministry, during His healings; but we are blessed to witness His life, and the disciples, from a much better advantage point.  We know what happened.  Through scripture, we understand the series of events that led up to His crucifixion, as disturbing as they are.  Even in the darkness of this Lenton time, we, as Christians, know the glory that is to come.  We don’t have to fear what is ahead of us, as the disciples were experiencing.  You and I already know the story.  I pray that your time during Lent will bring light to what Jesus experienced, suffered and gave up for you and me.  The hallelujah is coming!

“Take this, all of you, and eat if it, for this is my body, which will be given up for you.”  Matthew 26:26