Normally, participants in the Passover meal drank from their own cups. But at the Last Supper, Jesus has the disciples all drink from the same one. On the brink of death, he heightens the closeness of this group with whom he "eagerly desired" to share this meal.
Jesus promises that one day he will drink this cup with them in the kingdom of God. They thought the kingdom would come soon. It didn't. We're 2,000 years and counting, and it could be millions more.
Meanwhile, we need to recognize the presence of Jesus on earth. Jesus is not living in retirement, nor is he far away. Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles to tell the story of Christ present and active among his people after his death, resurrection and ascension.
Wherever you are as you read this, however distant you might feel from the Lord, one this is sure: The Lord is with you and wants the same closeness with you as he had with his disciples at that table in the upper room.
Let us enjoy his presence. Just plain enjoy it.
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw