Holy Thursday of the Supper of the Lord

The meaning of the celebration

+ Traditionally two masses are celebrated on this day: the Chrism Mass (during which the diocesan bishop blesses the holy oils and sacred chrism for the coming year, and which is often transferred to a different day in Holy Week in many dioceses) and the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

+ The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum, the most solemn days of the entire Church Year.

+ This Mass celebrates not only the gift of the Eucharist, but also includes the ceremonial washing of feet called the Mandatum (from the Latin word for “command”).

+ On Holy Thursday the Church invites us to reflect on Jesus’ absolute gift of himself to his followers in the gift of the Eucharist and symbolized by his humble service. We are called to imitate him in his service and self-offering.

For prayer and reflection

“‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you.’ Lord, you desire us, you desire me. You eagerly desire to share yourself with us in the Holy Eucharist, to be one with us. Lord, awaken in us the desire for you. Strengthen us in unity with you and with one another. Grant unity to your Church, so that the world may believe. Amen.”—Pope Benedict XVI, Homily for Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper 2011

Prayer

O God, who have called us to participate
in this most sacred Supper,
in which your Only Begotten Son,
when about to hand himself over to death,
entrusted to the Church a sacrifice new for all eternity,
the banquet of his love,
grant, we pray,
that we may draw from so great a mystery,
the fullness of charity and of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Collect for the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.