Holy Thursday
Compared with the synoptic Gospels, the Gospel according to John contains fewer incidents from the ministry of Jesus, but those few incidents are developed in a fuller way. So, while the synoptics contain remarks of Jesus as the one who serves, or who came to serve rather than to be served, the Gospel according to John provides us with both a concrete demonstration of extravagant service and then an explanation by Jesus of what he had just shown the disciples. He had provided them with a model of self-giving love that was to guide their behavior toward one another. Though the Gospel according to John never explicitly describes the institution of the Holy Eucharist, it gives us here our Lord's understanding of what a community formed by the Eucharist should be.
Do I live the Eucharist, as well as receive it?
Do I live the Eucharist, as well as receive it?
Solemn Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
The Solemn Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the three days known as the Easter Triduum, a time that is rich in Scriptural symbolism. The words and actions of the Holy Thursday Mass recall the events of the Last Supper: the institution of the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist (“This is My Body . . . This is the chalice of My Blood”) and Holy Orders (“Do this in memory of Me”), the washing of the Apostles’ feet by Jesus as a sign of fraternal charity and service, and the Apostles accompanying Jesus to Gethsemane and the start of his sorrowful Passion.
Commonly known as Maundy Thursday by non-Catholic Christians, this name comes from the Latin word “mandatum”, meaning “command.” It refers to the first word of the Latin verse "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" by which Jesus explains to the Apostles the significance of his act of washing their feet.
"A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 13: 34)
At the conclusion of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Eucharist is carried in solemn procession to the Altar of Repose located in a separate chapel or other area of the church apart from the main tabernacle, which remains completely empty. The Altar of Repose is beautifully decorated, surrounded by flowers and candles as if in a garden. The procession to the Altar of Repose reminds us of Jesus and the Apostles going out from the upper room to the Garden of Gethsemane, where the events of his Passion begin to unfold.
“Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to where there was a garden, into which he
and his disciples entered.” (John 18: 1)
It is here that the faithful remain in prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament following the Mass, recalling Jesus’ admonition to Peter:
“Could you not keep watch for one hour?” (Mark 14: 37).
We have entered the Triduum. Let us follow with a lively faith in Jesus' footsteps during these next three days.
Commonly known as Maundy Thursday by non-Catholic Christians, this name comes from the Latin word “mandatum”, meaning “command.” It refers to the first word of the Latin verse "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" by which Jesus explains to the Apostles the significance of his act of washing their feet.
"A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 13: 34)
At the conclusion of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Eucharist is carried in solemn procession to the Altar of Repose located in a separate chapel or other area of the church apart from the main tabernacle, which remains completely empty. The Altar of Repose is beautifully decorated, surrounded by flowers and candles as if in a garden. The procession to the Altar of Repose reminds us of Jesus and the Apostles going out from the upper room to the Garden of Gethsemane, where the events of his Passion begin to unfold.
“Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to where there was a garden, into which he
and his disciples entered.” (John 18: 1)
It is here that the faithful remain in prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament following the Mass, recalling Jesus’ admonition to Peter:
“Could you not keep watch for one hour?” (Mark 14: 37).
We have entered the Triduum. Let us follow with a lively faith in Jesus' footsteps during these next three days.
