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Scripture: Luke 22:19-20: Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." Abridged: When we share the Eucharist cup, we are reminded to pour ourselves out for others as Christ has done for us. Meditation: When the church celebrates Holy Communion, it recalls the words of Jesus, who said, "This is my body, which is given for you, and this cup that is poured out for you. These words are spoken so often that it is possible that we no longer listen to them in a way that can enter our deepest heart and soul. When truly listening to the words spoken during the institution of Holy Communion, they can be received as God's invitation to follow Jesus' example and give ourselves to others. When we hear the words spoken during Holy Communion and combine them with Jesus' instructions to "take up your cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24), we can begin to comprehend that the words spoken during the Eucharist are a call for us to dedicate our lives to the benefit of others. A hidden message in the words spoken during the sharing of the Communion bread is a summons to give of ourselves even to the point of physical, mental, and spiritual discomfort. Likewise, the words spoken during the giving of the cup are intended to remind us to be willing to pour ourselves out for others so that they may comprehend how much God loves them and desires to be in relationship with them. The Eucharistic liturgy reminds us that the call to ministry, as seen in the breaking of the bread and the drinking of the cup, remains beyond our human capability without the grace of God, the example of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Prayer: Holy God, you came into the world and took upon yourself human nature so that we could learn from you how to live in the flesh. Because you came to us in human form, we know that you have experienced the difficulties we face each day. Your knowledge of us is intimate and complete. Grant that we become as intimate in our knowledge of you and that we take upon ourselves your divine nature. Amen Enter password: .