What I really heard for the first time at Mass, even though it had always been there

Have you ever had one of those moments where you hear something for the first time, even though you have heard it a million times before?

That was what happened to me at Mass the other day when I heard the priest saying the Eucharist prayer over the bread and wine:

“He said the blessing and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying: ‘Take this all of you, and drink from it.’”

It struck me to my core.

Take this – don’t wait for it. Take it. Now.

All of you – not the ones in the front row. Everyone.

Drink from it – drink deeply. James and Andrew wanted to know if they would sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in the kingdom and he asked them, “Can you drink the cup I drink?” This is the cup we are to drink – the one of complete love and self-giving. It is the cup of sacrifice and redemption. Drink from it, and join in the work of salvation because of it.

The prayer continues: “For this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Drink from it– drink deeply, because it is the blood that has been shed for you. Specifically and intentionally for you. Drink in the life that has been given for you and receive it as your own. Live in Me and let Me live in you.

This is no small gesture, even though it seems so simple each week upon our altar. It is so easy to lose sight of what is really happening in front of us.

The next time you go to Mass, listen closely and see if you can hear the call for yourself. Then drink.