Salvation History

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 12:00 pm EST

Margaret Schlueter ’26 M.Div., pursuing a Master of Divinity at the University of Notre Dame, presents a remarkable chalice crafted by Charles Eugene Triollier in 1850.

The intricate design of this Eucharistic vessel captivates as it depicts scenes from the gospels—Christ the Teacher, the Last Supper, and the Crucifixion. Surrounding the stem, the faces of apostles, martyrs, priests, and bishops create a symbolic circle. This masterpiece is a profound representation of the life of Christ and the genesis of the church. Of course, this chalice also historically served the Most Precious Blood, so its purpose is sacred as well.

In Matthew chapter 20, two brothers, James and John, approached Jesus with a request to occupy positions at his right and left in his kingdom. Their request revealed a misunderstanding of the kind of kingdom Christ was establishing. They were thinking in worldly terms, but God’s designs are higher than human convention.

After addressing their pride, Christ instructs them with the words, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

The statement, “My chalice you will indeed drink,” suggests that James and John would sacrifice their lives in service to the church (which they did). But it also reminds us of their participation in the Last Supper and the continuation of the Holy Mass. Thus, as we wholeheartedly approach the Lord’s table and partake in the Most Precious Blood, we, too, partake in the chalice of Christ in a beautiful and meaningful way.

This Lent, ThinkND invites you to join FaithND and the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art for a journey of Lenten discovery through some of the most significant liturgical paintings in the Raclin Murphy collection, challenging you to contemplate prayer, fasting, sinfulness, mercy, grace, and God’s infinite love from the perspectives of the artist’s gaze. To subscribe to the FaithND Daily Gospel Reflection visit faith.nd.edu/signup.