Fr Martin Kallungal

Lectio Divina, which means “divine reading,” is a source of ancient Christian monastic spirituality. Traditionally, the practice has four stages. Lectio (reading) brings out what the text tells everyone. Meditatio (reflection) explores what the text tells the reader. Oratio (responsorial prayer) is what the reader tells God in response to His Word. Contemplatio (rest) is where the readers let go their thoughts, plans and words. To these traditional stages we add, Actio where we consider what we can do.

Reading
For the tradition I received from the Lord and also handed on to you is that on the night He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread, and after He had given thanks, He broke it, and He said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ And in the same way, with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.’ Whenever you eat this bread, then, and drink this cup, you are proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes. (I Cor 11:23-27)

Reflection
Paul is quoting the earliest tradition about the Holy Eucharist. He says that he has received it from the Lord, which means that the tradition goes back to the days of Jesus’ earthly life. Paul is not telling a story; he is narrating history. On the night he was betrayed Jesus not only dined with his traitor but also made one last attempt to purify the latter by washing his feet, as we know from John. Jesus transformed a routine ritual meal into the ultimate sacrament. The bread and wine were made to refer to Jesus’ body and blood offered at the cross. Thereafter, at every Eucharistic moment, the past (Jesus’ death), the present (celebration of the Sacrament) and the future (Jesus’ second coming) meet in our transforming memory.

Prayer
O’ Lord, you gave your best on the night you were betrayed. Indeed, you kept the best wine till this last night. Lord, on that night you heartily thanked the Father, as you always did. While thanking Him you were also letting Him know that you were about to share His gift of life to you with your traitor and others.

Contemplation & Action
The best is not to be reserved for ourselves and our dear ones. It has to be shared with strangers, enemies and even traitors. What I share becomes truly Eucharistic if I wholeheartedly share it during the dark nights of my life. Who are the beneficiaries of my life? Do I have something to share with people who do not care for me? In the next Mass, I will make my own the Eucharistic words, forgive at least one person who wronged me purposefully, and offer my blessings joyfully.