“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.”” // Mark 14:14-15
I patted my brother-in-law's shoulder gently as he struggled to hold back his tears. My own eyes welled up, too, as I watched my five nephews kneel reverently in a row before the sanctuary steps, waiting to receive the Blessed Sacrament for the first time.
Years of fervent prayer and preparation had finally brought us to this powerful moment, and as I pressed my nephews’ names to our Lord’s Eucharistic Heart, I realized that they were no longer boys, but brave and confident young men ready to give themselves wholly and freely to their Savior truly present in the Eucharist.
For varied reasons, my nephews did not receive their First Holy Communion at a typical young age. As time went on, I witnessed a growing hunger in their hearts to taste and see the Living Bread (see John 6:51). But now, seeing them newly confirmed just moments before, I was consoled by the fruits that had blossomed from the waiting: souls set ablaze, faith strengthened, upper rooms furnished and ready.
Today’s Gospel for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi stresses the importance of preparation. Jesus gives His disciples explicit instructions to find and set a specific space in Jerusalem for the Last Supper (see Mark 14:13-16). While they didn’t know this would be their final meal together, they carefully obeyed Christ’s command and were able to receive all that their master had in store.
So, I ask you, dear sister: Is your soul—your upper room—set for the sacrificial meal of the Eucharist? If your preparation before Holy Communion has been lacking, I invite you to thoroughly prepare your heart for a proper and worthy reception of the Sacrament. If your upper room could use some housecleaning, avail yourself of the cleansing gift of Confession. Anticipate the sacred mysteries by allowing your disposition and dress to convey the solemnity and joy of the moment when Christ comes to dwell in you. And don’t forget to fast! (source)
With a little preparation, your upper room will become a designated holy space that is ready and waiting to dine with the Lord.
Cathy Webb is a consecrated virgin for the Diocese of Wilmington and the creator of the Sacred Heart to Heart prayer journal. A full-time Library Assistant, she finds joy in embracing the sacrament of the present moment and spreading the fragrance of Love everywhere she goes. She also treasures large cups of tea; her Chihuahua, Lucy; and anything Saint Therese. When she’s not writing and creating for the Kingdom, she can be found wearing a pretty dress while adoring the Heart of her Divine Spouse in the Eucharist. She is a contributing author to Blessed Conversations: Home. Find out more about her here.
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