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Biblical Reflection for Holy Thursday
In commemorating the events of Holy Week, we do much more than just recall Christ’s suffering and glorification. We actually celebrate his life and share in his victory. Through his Passion, Death and Resurrection, Jesus accomplishes the mission to which his Father calls him. He conquers sin and restores humanity to the justice of God.
Holy Thursday marks the end of the Lenten season. Tonight in a very special way, we experience Jesus’ gift of himself in the Eucharist, which has been handed down to us. On this night we begin the three days that are the center of our year, and indeed of the Christian faith. The Scripture readings for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 and Psalm 116:12-13) root us deeply in our Jewish past, celebrating the Passover with the Jewish people, receiving from St. Paul (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) that which was handed on to him, namely the Eucharistic banquet. In the Gospel (John 13:1-20) we look at Jesus square in the face as he kneels before us to wash feet in humble service. On this night, Jesus gives us an image of what the church is supposed to look like, feel like, and act like.
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In commemorating the events of Holy Week, we do much more than just recall Christ’s suffering and glorification. We actually celebrate his life and share in his victory. Through his Passion, Death and Resurrection, Jesus accomplishes the mission to which his Father calls him. He conquers sin and restores humanity to the justice of God.
Holy Thursday marks the end of the Lenten season. Tonight in a very special way, we experience Jesus’ gift of himself in the Eucharist, which has been handed down to us. On this night we begin the three days that are the center of our year, and indeed of the Christian faith. The Scripture readings for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 and Psalm 116:12-13) root us deeply in our Jewish past, celebrating the Passover with the Jewish people, receiving from St. Paul (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) that which was handed on to him, namely the Eucharistic banquet. In the Gospel (John 13:1-20) we look at Jesus square in the face as he kneels before us to wash feet in humble service. On this night, Jesus gives us an image of what the church is supposed to look like, feel like, and act like.
More…