He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.1
Christ himself wished to give to that gathering such a fullness of meaning, such a richness of memories, such an emotion of words and feelings, such new actions and precepts, that we will never cease to meditate and explore. It is a testimonial Supper; it is an infinitely affectionate (Jn 13:1) and immensely sad (Jn 16:6) Supper, and at the same time mysteriously revealing divine promises, supreme visions. Death looms, with unheard-of omens of betrayal, abandonment, immolation; the conversation immediately ceases, while the words of Jesus flow continuously in His gentle and winning voice, stretched towards supreme confidences, almost hovering between life and death.2