Jesus, while making known to his Apostles that trying times were at hand for them, said:  ’When I sent you without purse, or scrip, or shoes, did you want anything?’ They answered:  ‘Nothing.’  ‘But now,’ he continued, ’he that hath a purse let him take it, and likewise a scrip, and he that hath not, let him sell his coat and buy a sword.  For I say to you, that this that is written must yet be fulfilled in me:  And with the wicked was he reckoned. For the things concerning me have an end.’  The Apostles only understood his words in a carnal sense, and Peter showed him two swords, which were short and thick, like cleavers.  Jesus said:  ’It is enough:  let us go hence.’  Then they sang the thanksgiving hymn, put the table on one side, and went into the vestibule.

There, Jesus found his Mother, Mary of Cleophas, and Magdalen, who earnestly besought him not to go to Mount Olivet, for a report has spread that his enemies were seeking to lay hands on him.  But Jesus comforted them in few words, and hastened onward—­it being then about nine o’clock.  They went down the road by which Peter and John had come to the supper-room, and directed their steps towards Mount Olivet.

I have always seen the Pasch and the institution of the Blessed Sacrament take place in the order related above.  But my feelings were each time so strongly excited and my emotion so great, that I could not give much attention to all the details, but now I have seen them more distinctly.  No words can describe how painful and exhausting is such a sight as that of beholding the hidden recesses of hearts, the love and constancy of our Saviour, and to know at the same time all that is going to befall him.  How would it be possible to observe all that is merely external!  The heart is overflowing with admiration, gratitude, and love—­the blindness of men seems perfectly incomprehensible—­and the soul is overwhelmed with sorrow at the thought of the ingratitude of the whole world, and of her own sins!

The eating of the Paschal Lamb was performed by Jesus rapidly, and in entire conformity with all the legal ordinances.  The Pharisees were in the habit of adding some minute and superstitious ceremonies.

THE PASSION.

“If thou knowest not how to meditate on high and heavenly things, rest on the Passion of Christ, and willingly dwell in his sacred wounds.  For, if thou fly devoutly to the wounds and precious stigmas of Jesus, thou shalt feel great comfort in tribulation.” —­Imitation of Christ, book 2, chapter 1.

INTRODUCTION.