Catholic Daily: Holy Thursday, Mass Of Lord’s Supper April 14, 2022

Lent is a time of repentance. A season of awareness that sin separates us from God and of what it cost Him to be reunited with us. Today's catholic reflection on Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord's Supper centres on the topic 'Humility of Service', Nourished by the Eucharist, taken from the gospel of 1 Cor. 11:24.

The humility of Service, Nourished by the Eucharist

“This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”  1 Cor. 11:24

Today begins the Triduum—the three great celebrations of the Catholic Faith. Numerous celebrations take place throughout the year. But these three celebrations are the heart of the faith and are the culmination of all of our worship. Today begins with the celebration of the Lord’s gift of the Most Holy Eucharist given through the priest. Tomorrow, the mystery of His Crucifixion.  Saturday after sundown the glory of His Resurrection.

On Holy Thursday evening, the Triduum begins with the commemoration of the Last Supper. This event in history, which took place as a Passover meal shared with Jesus and His Apostles, begins the gift that brings salvation to Christians.

On Holy Thursday, the Lord says for the first time, “This is my body that is for you.” He points to the gift of the Holy Eucharist as His gift to Christians, given for their holiness and fulfilment. It’s a gift that is difficult to fathom or comprehend. It’s the gift of His complete self-giving and sacrificial love.

The Eucharist is believed to be God Himself, present in the world, and given to transform Christians into Christlike. The Eucharist, in a real way, transforms Christians into Christ Himself. As Christians consume the Holy Eucharist, they are drawn into the divine life of the Most Holy Trinity.  They are made one with God and are given the food of eternity.   

On that first Holy Thursday, Jesus also offered an example of the perfect humility and service that Christians are called to imitate as they become one with Him.  He washed the feet of His Apostles to teach them and Christians that His Body and Blood are given to enable us to love as He loved. The Eucharist transforms the receiver into true servants who are called to humility.

The heart of Holy Thursday is called to humble service. Do you serve those around you?  Do you humble yourself before others to care for their most basic needs?  Do you show them you love them by your actions? Humble service is a beautiful expression of a Christian intimate union with the Son of God.

So often, true “greatness” is misunderstood. Greatness is often perceived with a secular understanding of success and admiration. Too often we want others to admire our accomplishments. But Jesus offers another view of greatness. On Holy Thursday, He shows that true greatness is found in this humble act of service. Imitating Him requires that we surrender our pride.  And this is made possible when we consume the Holy Eucharist with faith.  The Eucharist enables us to love and serve others in this humble way.  And that love and service an act that will win the hearts and souls of others for the Kingdom of God.

As we celebrate Holy Thursday, we are all challenged to ponder our humility and to commit ourselves to a radical and total gift of self to others.  

Reflect, this night, upon whether or not you imitate the humility of our Lord.  Are you committed to seeking ways in which you can serve others, showing them you love and care for them?  Let Holy Thursday transform you so that you can imitate the great love that Jesus offered us on this glorious night.

My humble Lord, help me to understand what it means to be a servant.  Help me to live this humility in my actions.  May the gift of Your most Sacred Body and Blood transform me into the person You desire me to be.  Jesus, I trust in You.