Through the Passover, the Lord freed the Israelite nation from centuries of slavery. The Lord chose to do one of His greatest works through a family meal accompanied by prayer. This Passover meal was so important that it became "a memorial feast" to be celebrated by all generations "as a perpetual institution" (Ex 12:14).

A few hours before Jesus died on the cross to save us all from sin and for eternal life, He said: "With great desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer" (Lk 22:15, our transl.). Then Jesus commanded: "Do this as a remembrance of Me" (Lk 22:19). Jesus connected the Passover with His death on the cross. He made the Eucharist the ultimate Passover.

Paul not only identified the Eucharist with the Passover but went so far as to call Jesus our Passover (1 Cor 5:7).

The Passover is the great liberation-feast and the salvation-memorial. How important is the Passover in your life? How great is your desire to celebrate the Passover? Do you want to receive Christ, your Passover, daily? Do you invite others to the new Passover? Is your life centered on the eucharistic Jesus? Celebrate the Passover.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, November 12, 1996

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 1996