Many Christian homes find artwork of the Last Supper in their dining rooms. When you look at them, how do you find the atmosphere of the Last Supper? Peaceful? Calm? Joyful? Loving?

Perhaps opposite to our impression, Jesus felt troubled in spirit as St John wrote in his gospel. Because Jesus knew one of his apostles, whose feet he himself washed and whom he himself fed with his own flesh and blood, would betray him.

The night of the institution of the Eucharist was holy. However, at the very place, Satan and his instrument of evil were also present. Jesus was pouring out his love for his apostles that night and offering his flesh and blood in the forms of bread and wine. However, one of those who received the greatest grace and blessing became hardened of his heart to hand the Son of Man over to the enemies. On the surface, it was peaceful. But we cannot ignore the undercurrent of the intense suspense. While the Son of God offers himself with love, Satan devours one of the apostles and turns him into his instrument. Judas witnessed and encountered the life-giving bread and water. However, he chose to enter the darkness of evil.

Many Catholics approach the presence of the Lord and receive the body and blood of Christ with hardened hearts. Many saints warn us of its consequences. In a word, it is a blasphemy against Christ but also a judgment upon oneself.

When Jesus declared the betrayal, Judas still had time to confess. But he did not listen. He became ever more hardened in his heart. Jesus patiently offers us opportunities for repentance and conversion. It is up to our choice to break our hardened hearts or to enter the darkness of sin.