On Friday I played golf with my nephew, Kevin. He
graduates from college in two weeks. He is experiencing a range of emotions.
Sad about leaving school, excited about graduation, concerned about future. He
is entering that in-between time. Same
as church – Jesus has ascended – he has returned to the Father – now what? Jesus gives them the best advice: Go to the
Upper Room!
Also called The Cenacle” Latin from cena = dinner – Upper Room on
Mount Zion – just outside old city of Jerusalem. Mt. Zion:
Catholic Cemetery (Oskar Shindler), Dormition Abbey (Assumption of Mary)
the Tomb of David and the Upper Room– place of the Last Supper – where they gathered
after Ascension – where the Spirit would come on Pentecost – where they would
be sent forth
Upper Room:
1) Place of Betrayal
– by our sins, we betray Jesus. This is why we begin each Mass asking
forgiveness.
2) Place of Sacrifice
– This is My Body, This is My Blood, given for you! He offered Himself. So too, we offer our
lives, our work, our joys and sorrows to Him!
3) Place of Service
– the Washing of the Feet. Follow Jesus example of love. To serve the poor,
sick and the outcast.
4) Place of Friendship
– He said I no longer call you servants but friends. He is our friend – we never
alone – do not be afraid.
5) Place of
Promise – I will not leave you orphans. He will bring us to His Father’s house.
6) Place of
Prayer – Jesus prayed for himself, He prayed for them, then he prayed for us!!!
7) Place of the
Church – that they may be one. Strengthened to follow Jesus. One reed easily breaks. Bind reeds together –
very strong.
Upper Room – almost impossible to have Mass there
today. Only 2 times a year allowed: Holy Thursday and Pentecost. I had to offer
Mass next door – in Dormition Abbey.
But, you do not have to travel to Mount Zion to find
the Cenacle – here is our Cenacle, here is our Upper Room! When we gather for
Mass, to celebrate the Sacraments, to pray alone or with one another, gathered
in prayer with the Mother of Jesus, we receive what we need – especially when
we are in between times!
They are almost the last words of the Bible – may those
words become ours – Come, Lord Jesus!
