Holy Thursday always seems to trigger a host of memories from my childhood. I remember how we attended this evening’s Mass as a family, and afterwards how we would visit other neighboring churches. But I never fully understood what was going on and why we did these things.
As I matured, I had this desire to learn more about why Holy Thursday was one of the most important and holy days in the Catholic Church. When you really think about it, so many historic events happened during the course of that day and night.
It all started with Jesus sending two of his apostles to secure the upper room for them to hold the Passover meal. Then there was the washing of the apostles’ feet, signifying how we as Jesus’ disciples need to go out into the world and do the same through service to others. A new commandment was also received – to love one another.
The first Mass was celebrated on Holy Thursday; and more importantly, Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist. For Catholics, it’s our belief that during the Mass the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus. We celebrate this at every Mass since we believe that through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have all been saved.
After Mass concludes, we move into Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament where the assembly remains in the presence of the Eucharist, just as the disciples did keeping a vigil with Jesus.
There is a tradition where the faithful would visit seven churches and pray before the exposed Eucharist in each one. This tradition is believed to have begun in Rome where pilgrims would visit the seven basilicas as an act of penance. It also represents the seven stops or ‘stations’ during the night of Jesus’ arrest. The faithful pray silently, calling to mind when Jesus went with his apostles to the Garden of Gethsemane and said these seven words, “Remain here and keep watch with me.” ~Matthew 26:38
I have learned over the years that Holy Thursday is a beautiful celebration that opens up the spiritual meaning of what the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is all about. We commemorate that holy day when Jesus broke bread, prayed in the garden, was betrayed, and was unjustly arrested.
Our Lenten journey has now concluded, and the next three days become a time where we walk in the footsteps of Jesus during his final hours on earth. Whatever traditions or devotions we may have, may it bring us closer to Christ as we begin the Sacred Triduum.
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.” ~1 Corinthians 11: 26
Read more about the Triduum here.
nice reflection, Allen…enjoyed your insights on this special day for all of us…our life is about serving, not being served
Amen to that, brother!
After the Feast of Jesus rising on Easter Sunday, Holy Thursday is next in line because of Christ instituting the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist, which means
to give thanks, in Greek. By participating in the Eucharistic Liturgy, we are thanking God the Father for sending His Only Begotten Son to redeem us from
our sins so that we may have eternal life. Then after sharing the bread and wine, now the Body and Blood of Jesus, he said, “Do this in Memory of me”.
That same night Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Orders, commonly known as the priesthood. Why the Catholic Church never made the Holy or
Maunday Thursday Feast Celebration a Holyday of Obligation confuses me. I wish that I could have been there for the Last Supper as a server.