The New Missal - theology notes continues...............

….Israel is still in exile. Living in the new land but still in exile. The belief of the day in exile is still paganism. God is about to act and intervene and once again be Israel’s King. The escatol is coming. So what about Jesus’ celebration of the last supper? Brings it all to a climax. The new exodus is happening through “me” - The action in the meal through the code. Exile is not in the future but through “me”. Twelve around him. Holy week - Jesus the new centre; not the temple. Jesus identifies the bread, part of exodus and oneself. Bread - body his own. Not only his biological, but his existence and predicts his dying which is offered. As the host is being broken, his death is happening. The death of Jesus is the protector like a chicken protecting its’ chicks (mother uses wings to cover chicks) alive under wings. “Do this in memory of me.” After Easter, the people knew that there is a new Israel. Freed by exile. The how do you know? Poured out the spirit - people speaking out in tongues. Not a victory over paganism but over sin and evil - the real thing. Jesus has let evil do the worse to him knowing that God will protect him. God vindicates the Just. This new community source of the world for everyone. Setting the seal - the washing of the feet - putting the poor and the sinner at the centre. A new communal order. Articulating what Israel has always done. Easter is the vindication of the history. The Kingdom has happened but not as expected. Jesus causes himself to be seen in the meal. Eg. At the burning bush - recognized in the breaking of the bed. They are living and dining now in the reign of God. This is very evident in the Orthodox tradition. Our mana from heaven. Final thoughts - death just a death but Jesus chooses to make in that execution to the Father for us. All of this meal and sacrifice indicates Mission. Not isolated from the world - ascending out. to be continued…………Next week continuation of Guelph University conference