So the supper continues until a late hour and it is time to end with the final grace. This took the form of a long prayer of thanksgiving, introduced by the words “Let us give thanks” and recited over a special cup of wine known as the “cup of blessing”. (3) This was then, according to custom, passed round in silence for each to sip. On this occasion, however, while the cup was being handed from one to the other Our Lord again added words he had never used before: this is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins; do this, as often as you shall drink it, in remembrance of me (1 Corinthians 11:25; Matthew 26:28).

However puzzled the apostles may have been by his words at the distribution of the bread, they could be in no doubt this time of his meaning, in part at any rate. During the prayer of blessing over the cup he had given thanks, in words which were traditional, for the old Covenant or alliance between God and his Chosen People. But now, whenever this fellowship of his meets again for all time to come, it will give thanks for a new Covenant, an altogether new reconciliation with God, sealed in his Blood.