Holy Thursday – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
(Exodus 12:1-8.11-14; I Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-11)
The Holy Thursday Eucharist begins the triduum of liturgies
that celebrates Jesus’ achievement. It
foreshadows his death and resurrection and allows us to hope for the same end for
ourselves.
Today’s first reading from the Book of Exodus gives context to
the second and the gospel. It describes
both the origin of the Passover and the liturgical meal which recalls that historical
event. God punishes Egypt for abusing
His chosen people; then saves the Israelites from both the horrific plague killing
all first-born and from the siege by Pharoah’s army.
St. Paul writes of Jesus celebrating the Passover with his
disciples the night before he died. He
tells of how during the meal Jesus reinterpreted the historical event. For his followers it no longer refers
primarily to God’s victory over Egypt but to his triumph over sin and death. The bread and wine he blesses become his Body
and Blood that will be sacrificed to atone for the sins of the world.
The gospel shifts attention from the food to the meaning of
the meal. Like most festive meals, the
Lord’s Supper expresses the host’s love for his guests. The degree of Christ’s love is signified by
his removing his outer garments to wash his disciples’ feet. As he stripped
himself of divinity to become human, Jesus now strips himself of all status so
that he might serve all. His action symbolizes
Baptism which forges a relationship between the soon-to-be crucified and
glorified Christ and those who follow him. This relationship, in which we share, will lead
us past our sins and beyond death to eternal glory.
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