Holy Thursday

On Holy Thursday evening we begin the Sacred Paschal Triduum with the commemoration of the Last Supper. During this evening the church celebrates the institution of the Holy Eucharist, even though the gospel of Saint John does not include that story. We do hear, however, in the First Reading from the Book of Exodus about the festival meal of Passover. It’s an ancient instruction by which God helped the Israelites escape from Egypt and reach the Promised Land. This same Passover meal is shared by Jesus and his apostles at the Last Supper.

Saint Paul, in the reading to the Corinthians, offers us the original description of how the Eucharist was instituted. He uses the same words we use today in every Eucharistic Prayer. Both the scripture from Exodus and from Paul speak to us about remembrance. The Hebrew people are to remember and celebrate the importance of the Passover each year; we are also called to remember the words of Jesus at the Last Supper when He said “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (1 Cor 11:23-26).

The focus of the Gospel on this holy night is more about service than the Eucharist. The evangelist describes Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This was a very lowly and common chore back then, always performed by servants. During that Passover meal, Jesus offers us an example of perfect service and humility. The Washing of the Feet of the disciples symbolizes the ultimate service Our Lord offers when He gives up His life on the cross. Jesus instituted the Eucharist, the priesthood and the command to love one another in that same meal. He is very clear that the true meaning of the Eucharist is inseparable from his suffering, death and Resurrection.

These themes are so important that the Roman Missal (RM) requires the homilist to speak about them following the Gospel. There are only a few times throughout the liturgical year that homilists have specified themes to preach on. The Missal is very clear, “After the proclamation of the Gospel, the priest gives a homily in which light is shed on the principal mysteries that are commemorated in this Mass, namely, the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and of the priestly order, and the commandment of the Lord concerning fraternal charity” (Thursday of the Lord’s Supper, RM # 9). After the homily, we follow the command of Jesus to wash each other’s feet. We are called to imitate the Master and serve others as we become one with Him. This ritual of washing the feet of others will take on various forms throughout our lives. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to humble service of others.

Charlie Dispenzieri is Director of Worship at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carmel.