Holy week in Chartres (4): Desire

Jesus’s final Passover dinner is described in the Gospels with details that often go unnoticed.

The Last Supper, Passion Window at Chartres (1145-55)

For instance, the deep desire Jesus felt to be with his apostles is sometimes glossed over.

Jesus’s face has suffered, but his gesture of blessing remains clear

He told them that he longed to eat with them before he would suffer.

John is shown here as he is described, “reclining next to Jesus” in John 13:24

They desired to eat with him too, to share the meal, conversation, and experience.

Can you imagine yourself there at the table, listening, eating, talking, drinking, laughing, asking questions or responding to the ones Jesus posed?

Three of those at the table, is the person seems to be a haloed woman

Focus on feeling the warmth of knowing how much Jesus wants to be with you and the others.

Morning Chartres Cathedral

If you had the chance, what would you like to say to Jesus, especially knowing that his suffering was coming?

Scriptural Touchstones

When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. Jesus said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer…” Luke 22:14-15 NSRV

Praying in the choir of Chartres Cathedral during Holy Week

Other Blogs in this Series:

Holy week in Chartres (1): ENTERING

Holy week in Chartres (2): Light

Holy week in Chartres (3): Love