BASSANO, Jacopo The Last Supper Galleria Borghese, Rome |
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer)
The Last SupperBassano's painting is admirable and unusual because he depicts Christ and the apostles as entirely human, rather than as haloed saints, and because the setting of gathering is somewhat disorderly in appearance, as such gatherings would be in real life. Also, I love the dog curled up asleep by the table.
Come, my friends, it's Passover night.
Find the room; prepare the table.
Buy the bread; get the wine.
One of you will betray me.
Take and eat. This is my body,
Given for you.
Drink the cup, my blood shed for you
And many.
We'll not eat together again
Until kingdom come.
Sing with me now, for you'll run
When they take me.
"Oh, no, Lord, not I!"
Peter, my friend, you will,
And deny me, too.
(June Butler - 3/12/08)
Gospel of Mark 14:12-25 (NRSV)