AUDIO MEDITATION:

Ivan Meštrović (Croatian, 1883–1962), The Last Supper, 1957, wood, 71×148 inches, North Dining Hall, University of Notre Dame. Photo by Matt Cashore.

FULL TEXT:

The Gospel today keeps us at table in the Last Supper with Matthew’s telling of the same scene from yesterday. Jesus reveals his betrayer, Judas, by dipping bread in a common dish with him.

This carved scene hangs on a wall in North Dining Hall on Notre Dame’s campus. Judas is positioned behind Jesus on the left and is almost hidden within his cloak. The beloved disciple faces Jesus in a near embrace. Jesus’ face reveals his sadness at what is transpiring. The rest of the disciples seem confused.

While physical pain and torment will soon follow, Jesus is experiencing emotional pain here. He has given so much and yet one of his friends will betray him. Before he is dead, most of his friends will have scattered.

The beloved disciple, however, will remain faithful, even to the foot of the cross. He is unafraid to be near to Jesus’ heart, to be close to his pain. How might we follow his example with those who are suffering today?