When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." (Luke 22: 14-18)

The Passover - the great feast of redemption - is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. The Passover is pleroo - abounds, filled to the brim, put into effect - in the reign of God.

Passover recalls the oppression, enslavement, emancipation, betrayals, struggles, discoveries, shared journey, and unearned abundance of the Exodus story.

The kingdom of God is not always - or even often - sweet ease. The kingdom of God is a lifetime or more of unfolding effort to know and do what God intends.

Above is the Last Supper from the Church of San Giorgio, Venice.