1. Who is the “lamb without blemish” referring to in this reading?

2. How do we “mark our houses with the blood of the lamb” today? Could helping immigrants or feeding the hungry be signs of Christ’s presence? Could listening to the cries of the poor be a sign?

1. While celebrating the Passover meal Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” What did he mean by “this”? Could “this” also mean a reenactment, i.e., lay down our lives, as Jesus did?

2. Pope Francis has said that the Eucharist is “not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine for the weak,” and in this homily he also wants us to know that it’s not a magic rite. What needs to change so the “weak” can receive the Eucharist?

We go with joy because he accompanies us, he is with us … and the Lord Jesus, even in our personal lives, accompanies us with the Sacraments. The Sacrament is not a magic rite: it is an encounter with Jesus Christ: we encounter the Lord––it is he who is beside us and accompanies us.

Morning Mass homily at Casa Santa Marta, Sept. 24, 2013
Sacrament of the Eucharist is not a magic rite

1. “Do you realize what I have done for you?” Jesus asks. What is it that Jesus did for us when he washed the disciples’ feet? Do you think they realized at the time what was going on? When do you think they realized it? How are the washing of the feet and the Eucharist related?

2. What are some ways you can “wash your neighbors’ feet”? Are there degrees of service to your neighbor? How high would you place “putting up with your neighbor”? How about “laying down your life”?