For You

“This is my body which is given for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.’  Likewise the cup after supper saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22: 19 – 21)

   There are two words in Jesus' institution of the Eucharist on which we need to focus.  In offering both the bread and the cup He told His disciples that it was “for you”.  His body and blood was not only for the disciples but for all Christians to come.  The miracle of the Eucharist is just as real for us today as it was for the disciples at the last supper.

   We hear these words at every Mass during the consecration.  How many of us are even paying attention?  How many of us focus on the fact that Christ died for us on that cross?  It wasn’t just for the disciples of His time it was for all people for all time.  Every sin committed, every evil done can be forgiven because of His sacrifice.

   “But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5: 8).  The redemption purchased by the life of Jesus applies to us though we are sinners.  He loves us regardless of our failures.  His sacrifice offers us forgiveness and salvation.  He paid the price for our sins and opened the gates of heaven to those who would believe.  He did all of this for you and for me.

Lord, Your love is eternal.

Jesus gave His life for my sins.

He died for me.

May I always remember His sacrifice.

Amen