Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’” Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.” The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover.
While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Reflection written by Bobbie Paul, traveled in 2011 with daughter, Rachel; very active in her home parish, Holy Family Church in San JoseWhen the possibility of joining the group last summer arose – the reality seemed absolutely too exciting to be true. That possibility then seemed to fade from sight when I was diagnosed with a Level 2 Melanoma in late spring. After a couple of surgeries, I was on the mend and then…on the very day that I was told it was gone – with clear margins and nothing in my lymph nodes –Rachel called to say that there had been a mother/daughter cancellation on the team and that Peter was asking if we’d like to go! Needless to say – the answer was yes. My husband was the most adamant about the decision since he knew how much I had always wanted to be a part of outreach to Africa.
What I gave on our trip was so much less than what I received…I am weak with thanksgiving for the beautiful friendships that were made while we were there and for the close loving relationships that grew on the team. Nothing can compare to the closeness that one feels after sharing the experiences that we shared. I love my Africa family so much – even though I don’t get to be a part of their activities very often because of the miles that separate us. I also cherish the friendships that I made. I keep photos of my friends in my songbook at church and pray for them often. They are truly a beautiful family to me.
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