PASCHAL TRIDUUM, HOLY THURSDAY

Exodus 12:1-8.11-1

Psalm 115

1Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-15

MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

Today's Mass in memory of the Last Super opens the "Pascal Triduum", a three day's journey that commemorates the events that led to our redemption: the Passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

The focal point of today's liturgy is the Upper Room, where Jesus took the last Super with his disciples. Three events are celebrated: 

- the giving of the new commandment of love, expressed in gestures of humble service, 

- the institution of the Eucharist as a symbol of his self giving and presence among us, 

- the institution of the priesthood to perpetuate this presence in the Church. That which holds these three mysteries together is Jesus' love for us: “knowing that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father, Jesus loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end” (John 13:1).

The first reading narrates the institution of the Jewish Passover, marked by the immolation of the lamb. The eating of the Passover lamb preceded the exodus event, that is, the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. The second reading explains the Eucharist as instituted by Jesus Christ himself during the super that preceded his Passion and death. Jesus’ act of self giving in the Eucharist demonstrates the fact that he saves us by offering himself as a sacrifice: “This is my body which is given up for you.”

Moreover, at the Last Super, Jesus stood among his disciples as one who serves. He washed his disciples' feet as a concrete example of serving one another. Such humility is an example for us to follow. Perhaps, today, we are not asked to die heroically for others even if this form of love is not lacking in our days. But what Jesus is asking us to do is to make small gestures of service, kindness, generosity and sacrifice. For it is in serving and loving that we find the joy of living. 

Today, we thank the Lord for this New Covenant sealed in the Blood of Jesus, source of our redemption. Let us also implore his mercy so that we may be delivered from this dramatic COVID-19 pandemic just as he delivered the Israelites from the Egyptian slavery. Finally, let us pray for the priests so that they become authentic ministers of the mystery entrusted to them and to carry out this ministry with love, sincerity, fidelity and holiness. Amen