PASCHAL TRIDUUM, HOLY THURSDAY

Exodus 12:1-8.11-1

Psalm115

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 through the washing of the disciples’ feet,

- the institution of the Eucharist as a symbol of Jesus’ self-giving for us,

- the institution of the priesthood to perpetuate Jesus’ presence among God’s people. 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).

As such, all the readings help us to understand Jesus’ love for us which is the key to understanding the pascal mystery. In effect, 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, which manifested God’s closeness to his people. The second reading explains the Eucharist as instituted by Christ himself during the super that preceded his Passion and death.

At the Last Super, Jesus did not only institute the Eucharist, but also stood among his disciples as one who serves. He washed their feet as a concrete example of humility and selfless service. Perhaps, today, we may not be asked to die heroically for others as Jesus did. But what Jesus is asking us to do is to make small but concrete gestures of service, kindness, compassion, generosity and sacrifice. For it is in serving and loving that we find the joy of living. 

As we begin the Triduum, let us ask for forgiveness from God for the many times we had failed to show sincere love to one another. Let us also pray for all priests so that they may become more and more authentic ministers of the mystery entrusted to them and to carry out their ministry with love, sincerity, fidelity and holiness. Amen