Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Yourself in the Eucharist
HOLY THURSDAY (B) : 28th March 2024
Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; Ps. 115:12-13, 15-18;
1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15 (Psalter Proper)
The Scripture readings in the Mass of the Lord’s Supper contain themes of meal and service. The passage from the Book of Exodus highlights the celebration of the Passover, the sacrifice of the unblemished lamb, the blood sprinkled on the doorposts and the manner in which the Passover meal should be prepared and partaken of.
To the Corinthian community, St Paul reiterates the moment when Jesus instituted the Eucharist, by giving his Body and Blood as sacrifice, before going forth to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of humanity. The Gospel recounts Jesus gathered His disciples to celebrate the Passover meal. However, John’s Gospel describes the act of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This is significant because the celebration of the Eucharist is linked to the act of service. It signifies tha, by gathering for the Eucharist, we are also prepared to be at the service of others. The Eucharist is more than a liturgical ritual, it serves as a source of spiritual nourishment for us to be at service to the world.
The Chrism Mass is incorporated within the day of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper precisely to remind the clergy of their priestly vocation and promises a life of dedicated and humble service. To the rest of us in the Church, we too are called by Jesus to serve, with mercy and love.
The Scripture readings in the Mass of the Lord’s Supper contain themes of meal and service. The passage from the Book of Exodus highlights the celebration of the Passover, the sacrifice of the unblemished lamb, the blood sprinkled on the doorposts and the manner in which the Passover meal should be prepared and partaken of.
To the Corinthian community, St Paul reiterates the moment when Jesus instituted the Eucharist, by giving his Body and Blood as sacrifice, before going forth to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of humanity. The Gospel recounts Jesus gathered His disciples to celebrate the Passover meal. However, John’s Gospel describes the act of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This is significant because the celebration of the Eucharist is linked to the act of service. It signifies tha, by gathering for the Eucharist, we are also prepared to be at the service of others. The Eucharist is more than a liturgical ritual, it serves as a source of spiritual nourishment for us to be at service to the world.
The Chrism Mass is incorporated within the day of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper precisely to remind the clergy of their priestly vocation and promises a life of dedicated and humble service. To the rest of us in the Church, we too are called by Jesus to serve, with mercy and love.
Lord, may I be an instrument of service.
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