Introduction
This rosary reflection contains the story of the Lord’s Supper according to the Gospel of Matthew. The Lord’s Supper Reflection contains the verses of the passage from the Gospel of Matthew, Matthew 26:26-30.
The Gospel Account
Jesus shares the bread and wine as His Body and Blood with his apostles the night before he died on the cross. Jesus establishes a new covenant in His blood which will be shed for all humanity. Jesus’ gift of Himself is remembered at every Mass throughout history and the world.
The Five Decades
When you pray the five decades of this Rosary Reflection, use these five moments from the passage in the Gospel. Read the Gospel verses for each decade and let the words sink in as you pray that decade.
First Decade: Jesus Gives His Body (Matthew 26:26)
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Second Decade: Jesus Shares the Cup (Matthew 26:27)
Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, “Drink from it, all of you,”
Third Decade: Jesus’ Blood of the Covenant (Matthew 26:28)
“For this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Fourth Decade: Drinking Anew in God’s Kingdom (Matthew 26:29)
“I tell you, from now on, I will not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.”
Fifth Decade: Departing for the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30)
Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
What to Remember
These Gospel verses reflect how Jesus gave his life to deliver all humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Jesus feeds us with His Body and blood for strength on life’s journey. Every Eucharistic Prayer at Mass is a remembrance of the Last Supper.
As a follower of Jesus, you have the privilege of remembering and sharing in the Last Supper whenever you receive communion or participate in Eucharistic Adoration. The bread and wine are transformed into the Real Presence of Jesus’ Body and Blood. Mary shares in this meal with you and in her prayers.
What to Pray For
- For a deeper appreciation and awareness of Jesus’ new covenant at each Mass you attend and those offered throughout the world.
- For a greater devotion and worship to the Real Presence of Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration.
- For unity and peace among all Christians, for whom Jesus’ blood was shed.
- For those who are hungry for God’s love and peace.
Feel free to pray the rosary using these Scripture verses for a deeper devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist.
When This Gospel Appears
Luke’s Gospel account in the Gospel reading at the Palm Sunday Mass, in Cycle B of the Lectionary. The latest appearance is March 28, 2021.
* Scripture passages are from the United Conference of Catholic Bishops website, https://usccb.org/bible
