As we prepare for Mass this weekend, let us remember that are invited to enter into and relive the “Upper Room Experience” Sunday after Sunday. The same Jesus who, in the Upper Room, prepared His disciples for their preaching and witnessing mission, is present with us at the altar in the Eucharistic celebration.
The Risen Jesus invites us to share in the “Liturgy of the Word” and in “The Liturgy of Eucharist.” In the first part of the Mass, He speaks to us through the “Word.” In the second part, He becomes our spiritual food and drink. Thus, the Gospel scene which we will read this weekend (Luke 24, 35-48) is repeated (ritually) every Sunday at the Lord’s Table. How does this happen? Like the early disciples, we come together to repent of our sins, express our thanks for the blessings we have received, listen to God’s words, pray, and offer ourselves to God on the altar along with our gifts of bread and wine. We also share in the spiritual food Jesus supplies, and we are sent to share His message with the entire world.
Jesus needs us as witnesses to continue His mission. And “witnessing to Jesus” means testifying by our words and deeds that the power of the Risen One has touched us and transformed us in the most remarkable way imaginable. “Witnessing to Jesus” also means letting Jesus speak through us to other people. He needs Spirit-filled followers to be His eyes, ears, hands, and feet so that we may bear witness to His love, mercy, and forgiveness. And we do this by exercising these gifts in our compassionate and loving service of all of our brothers and sisters.
