EASTER TRIDUUM: HOLY THURSDAY, MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER April 6, 2023
Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116:12-18; 1 Cor 11:23-26; John 13:1-15
My Morning Minute With Jesus
“I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
This instruction of Jesus is a cognate of “Do this in remembrance of me,” in today’s second reading and its parallels in the synoptic gospels (Luke 22:19). This day celebrates Christ’s wonderful gift of himself in the Eucharist and his generous invitation of mere humans to share in his priesthood. The Eucharist and the Sacred Priesthood, two inseparable gifts of God to his Church, are at the heart of Catholic liturgical life and worship, and have for ages sustained Christian practice. Together with these are the gifts of humble and selfless service and love. On this exemplary humility, let us not forget that that function washing the feet of guests was reserved for slaves and servants in antiquity. Jesus, teacher and master, taking on that function, persuades us that service is a necessary component of Christian discipleship. As priests renew their commitments today, we pray for them. May God make them more faithful and more fruitful in their ministry. May the Church be blessed with holy and committed priests who are selfless servants of God and servants of God’s people. Together with all Christ’s faithful, may they be ever more centered in their reliance on the spiritual sustenance that Christ gives us in his Body and Blood, the Holy Eucharist. May we never take that gift for granted and constantly draw strength from it even as we cherish it daily. Finally, may Jesus’ example of humble service inspire us to become Eucharist for others, through our generosity and service, washing one another’s feet. The Eucharist must impact our lives so powerfully that we may in turn impact those around us as a Eucharistic people, beginning in our families. The Lord gave all, not holding back anything, for our salvation. May we have the courage to love and serve without counting the cost.
Lord, nourish the lives of your people; teach us love and service. Amen.
+Anthony Ovayero Ewherido