Prepare a place for Jesus’ mercy

I know this is Advent, but here is another Easter-time reference: the last supper. (cf. Matthew 26:17–19; Mark 14:12–16; Luke 22:7–13). As the feast of Passover drew near, Jesus knew that his “hour” was coming. The Gospels tell us, “On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, ‘Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?’” (Mk 14:12).

Jesus gives very specific instructions: “Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there” (Mk 14:13–15).

The disciples complete the preparation in obedience to Jesus. Then, “when it was evening, he came with the Twelve” (Mk 14:17). As they recline at table, Jesus says to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Lk 22:15). In that prepared room, he transforms the Passover meal into the first Eucharist: “This is my body, which will be given for you… This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you” (Lk 22:19–20). The room the disciples prepared becomes the place where Jesus hands himself over in the Eucharist before he hands himself over on the Cross.

What might this mean for us in Advent?

Like in the upper room prepared by the disciples, Jesus still eagerly desires to “eat this Passover” with us - every time we come to Mass, every time we receive Holy Communion, every time we sit before him in prayer. In the Gospels, the disciples asked: “Where do you want us to prepare?” Jesus gave them concrete instructions, they obeyed, and he entered and gave them is body and blood.

Perhaps this Advent we can ask, “Jesus, where do you want me to prepare a place for you?” Where might this place be? How might he ask us to prepare it? What will he offer when you do as he asks? The Church teaches that a good examination of conscience and confession is good preparation to receive the Eucharist. What would happen if we do that?