Maundy Thursday: The Institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood

Ex. 12:1-8.11-14, 1 Cor. 11:23-26, Jn 13:1-15. This night we begin the Solemn three days of great celebration and commemoration of the most important events in the history of salvation, called Easter Triduum. Today, we recall the Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples, as He institutes the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and Priesthood. To the Priests, Jesus gave the power and authority to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Last Supper was celebrated in the context of the Jewish Passover meal as today’s first reading explains the meaning. In words and symbols it recalled the greatest saving act of God in the Old Testament, the exodus from Egypt and setting God’s people free from slavery. It opens us up to the idea that God enters our lives to save and set us free from whatever oppresses us. The Last Supper becomes the first Sacrifice of the Mass, lifted up as offering to God the Father and which is turned into the essence and substance of His own Body and Blood offered on the Altar of the Cross at Calvary, where this Sacrifice is finally completed.

Jesus mentioned this on the Cross: "It is accomplished". Every time the Holy Mass is celebrated, it is not a new sacrifice being celebrated, but the same sacrifice which our Lord offered on the Cross. On this day, we also remember the ‘Mandate’ from the Lord to His disciples, which is the reason today is also known as "Maundy Thursday", the word ‘Maundy’ originates from the Latin word ‘Mandatum’ which means ‘Mandate’ the Lord had given to His disciples, as recorded in today's Gospel. That we practice the custom of washing of the feet during the Mass today, this came about from the action of Jesus, as He humbled Himself like a servant, even a slave, before His disciples and washed their feet. Through utter self-giving, loving-without-limit, Jesus won the power to draw us away from sin and follow His way of love. Total love animated His sacrifice and from it He shares His spirit with us. Whenever we celebrate the Eucharist together, is a living link, that joins us with the spirit of Jesus. By it we share in His new exodus, to become as fully humane as God wants us to be and be in service of other people.

May the Lord Jesus the Eternal High Priest guide us through this Easter Triduum and in His mercy help the Priests to continue to be faithful and strong in their dedication to serve the flock of God so that they may remain strong and courageous in leading and serving the world through this difficult time! Amen!! Remain safe and Happy Anniversary to all the Priests throughout the world!!!