Holy Thursday 2020

A Reflection on the Last Supper Mass

First day of the Sacred Paschal Tridum.
The Institution of the Ministerial Priesthood & The Eucharist

Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14.
Psalm116:12-18
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15
Theme: Eucharist as Service

The Passover meal in the upper room turned out to be no ordinary meal. The Master shared this meal with the 12 disciples. This Passover meal was re-enacting the Passover that saved the children of Israel from the servitude of Pharoah in Egypt. The regiment of the meal was strictly laid down by Moses – an unblemished one year old lamb, staff in the hand, sandals on their feet, eat with haste,… Yes and the Israelite were to mark their lentels with the blood from the lamb. This would be the sign of salvation so that the angel of death will bypass their houses.
In the Upper room Jesus took bread and wine, he gave thanks and blessed. He then shared with his disciples in an extraordinary way :
THIS IS MY BODY, THIS IS MY BLOOD : Instituting the EUCHARIST.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME: Instituting the PRIESTHOOD.

Jesus tells those he loves that HE IS THE LIVING BREAD THAT HAS COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN.
And that the Eucharist and the PRIESTHOOD are for SERVICE. This Jesus demonstrates by washing the feet of the disciples. He is asking us today to wash the feet of our neighbours – SERVICE to humanity. The Word of the God and the Eucharist can only be ALIVE when Christians translate this to Love of neighbour.

He reminds us to love one another as I have loved you. Yes, even in this difficult times of COVID-19. Adhering to the advice given by the Government demonstrates this love. Let us therefore prepare well so that we can receive JESUS in the Holy Eucharist in our hearts albeit SPIRITUALLY. When we receive Jesus in the Eucharist worthly then we should become like Him especially in SERVICE.
May the Lord be with you.

Fr. Boniface