Our spiritual walk through Holy Week brings us to Holy Thursday.
Today marks the beginning of the Triduum. There is always only one Mass celebrated on this day and it recalls the Last Supper our Lord had with his apostles. It also invites us into direct participation in the events of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, crucifixion and eventual death by wickedness and sin.
Imagine yourself as one of the chosen Twelve. You have walked Jesus for 3 years. You have followed Jesus when you did not know where you were going. You have dined with Jesus. You have sat at his feet and listened with a heart burning because of His simple but challenging message of love and forgiveness. You have been a witness to the miracles of healing and raising to life those who have died. Now, you gather with him in an Upper Room to dine again in remembrance of the Passover. But this is no ordinary meal. Jesus institutes the first Eucharist, where the Passover meal is brought to its fullness: “This is My Body”. “This is My Blood”. He leaves with you the Sacrament of Holy Orders and the gift of the priesthood. He washes your feet giving you an example of service through love and humility.
Today, spend time in prayer and thanksgiving for the Priesthood. Pray for the Pope:
“Lord Jesus, shelter our Holy Father under the protection of Your Sacred Heart. Be his light, his strength and his consolation.”
Continue your prayers for all the priests of the world, especially Bishop Gregory, Father Obi, and Father Harry.
Perhaps challenge yourself now to be a religious guide in your own homes as we now find ourselves “teachers” of the Faith to our families and to ourselves. Celebrate a special family dinner in remembrance of the Last Supper and after dinner join us for Mass at 7:00 pm. Have your bells ready to ring during the Gloria! Sit one hour with our Lord at Adoration. Before your children go to bed, relive the Washing of Feet as Jesus did for his Apostles and wash their feet and bless them with the Sign of the Cross on their foreheads or heart.
This year we will not be able to be a witness to the washing of the feet or the Transfer of the Holy Eucharist to the Altar of Repose. Jesus will remain in the Tabernacle for Adoration. This is the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Will you dine with Him? Will you allow His Body and His Blood to blend with yours?