Friends, Holy Thursday is a special day in the Catholic Church. It remembers the night when Jesus shared His last meal with His disciples. On that night, He gave us the gift of the Eucharist and Priesthood, then showed us how to serve others by washing His disciples’ feet. This moment reminds us that real love is shown in simple acts of care. Holy Thursday also marks the beginning of the Triduum, the three most important days in our faith. It leads us to the cross, the tomb, and the joy of Easter morning. Each part of this journey shows how much Jesus loves us and how far He will go to save us. This day teaches us about service and unity. Jesus told His disciples to love one another the way He loved them. When we celebrate Holy Thursday, we remember that following Jesus means putting others first. It calls us to live with kindness, humility, and gratitude. Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, a time to reflect on the Last Supper and Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist. It is a call to deepen our faith, embrace our mission, and live with a servant’s heart. We remember Jesus’ love and service, and renew our commitment to follow his example. Lord Jesus, on this Holy Thursday, help us to remember your sacrifice and love. Strengthen us through the Eucharist to serve others with a humble heart.
Friends, today, the Church celebrates God’s beautiful gift to her and the entire world, the institution of the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharist is the food that God has generously made available to nourish us on our spiritual journey. According to Pope Francis, “The Eucharist is not just a weekly way of celebrating our faith but radically affects our relationship with others. Especially with those most in need.” The Eucharist gives us the Grace to feel forgiven and be ready to forgive others. We go to Mass, not because we are worthy or want to appear better than others. We go to Mass because we know that we are always in need of God’s mercy, love, and Grace. These come to us through the body and blood of Christ. The Eucharist affects the life of our Christian communities. The institution of the Holy Eucharist by Christ on Holy Thursday equally marks the institution of the ministerial priesthood. So, the priesthood is also God’s gift to His Church. This means that it is God who freely calls. The priesthood’s mystical nature derives from, first, the lives of Melchizedek and, second, from Christ.
Friends, through the Eucharist, Catholics believe that we are profoundly united with Christ. We are reminded that Jesus is truly present with us in the bread and wine, and that we are called to receive this gift with reverence and awe. At the same time, the Eucharist is a call to mission. As we receive this gift, we are reminded that we are called to share it with others, to be a witness to the presence of Christ in our world, and to work for justice and peace. Brothers and sisters, Jesus came to be a revelation of God. He shows us the Father’s heart, that God desires us all to live in peace and unity, and that everyone’s needs are met. Jesus teaches us to have a servant’s heart, to love and serve one another as he has loved and served us. He showed this by washing the feet of his disciples, a symbol of humility and service. On Holy Thursday, we are reminded of Jesus’ call to mission and service. As we meditate on his sacrifice and love in the Eucharist, let us renew our dedication to serve others. May we live out our faith by loving and serving as Jesus did, witnessing to his presence in our world. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a fruitful and prayerful Holy Triduum.
