Welcoming the Holy

Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.

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By: Sister Susan Schantz

Reading

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

While they were eating,
he took bread, said the blessing,
broke it, gave it to them, and said,
"Take it; this is my body."
Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them,
and they all drank from it.
He said to them,
"This is my blood of the covenant,
which will be shed for many.”

Reflection

There is a story from the Vietnam War era that resonates in this season of war. An orphanage was bombed, and an injured little girl was bleeding heavily and needed a transfusion. An army medic asked if one of the uninjured children would give blood, saying to them through the translator, “You could save her life.”

A boy came forward, trembling, and offered to help his friend. As the transfusion began, he sobbed and shook, watching his blood flow into the girl’s arm. The translator held and calmed the boy. 

Afterward, the medic asked the translator what she had said to the boy. The translator replied that the boy told her he thought he was dying. The medic then asked why the boy did it when he was so afraid.  The translator answered, “He said she was his friend. He had to help her.”

Closing Prayer

Jesus, you offer us your own life, your body and blood. Teach us to give ourselves away so that others may live. Bless those who suffer and those who reach out to help. Amen.