| Luke 22:17
| And having taken the chalice, he gave thanks, and said: Take, and divide it among you.
| Taken the chalice. This is not the chalice of his blood, (the latter is spoken of ver. 20, and 1 Corinthians 11:25.) but it is the cup which the master of the repast blessed with ceremony, then drank of it, and gave it to all the guests. The modern Jews still observe this custom; not only on the Pasch, but on all other great feasts. The father of the family pours wine into a cup, takes it in his right hand, elevates it, blesses it, tastes, and gives it round to the invited. Our Saviour on this occasion complies with the custom; and after supper takes the chalice, which he converts into his own blood. (Calmet)
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