Holy Thursday is a significant day in the Christian faith, as it marks the beginning of the New Passover. According to Sacred Scripture, Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare the Upper Room to celebrate the Passover meal. During the supper, Jesus gave a witness of selfless, sacrificial service by fulfilling the role of a servant and washing the feet of the disciples. After that, Jesus transformed the bread and wine into his Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity for the first time, and the disciples received Holy Communion. By commanding them to “do this in remembrance of me,” Jesus instituted the new sacramental priesthood.
Holy Thursday is also called Maundy Thursday. Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means commandment, reflecting Jesus’ words, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). In the early Christian Church, Maundy Thursday was celebrated with a general communion of clergy and people. Since 1956, Maundy Thursday has been observed with a morning liturgy for the consecration of the Holy Oils for the coming year and an evening liturgy in commemoration of the Institution of the Eucharist, with a general communion. The ritual of the washing of feet is performed by the celebrant, who washes and kisses the feet of twelve people in memory of Christ’s washing the feet of his disciples. During the evening liturgy, the hosts are consecrated for communion on Good Friday. After the conclusion of the Mass, the faithful accompany Jesus on a procession from the church to an altar of repose where our Lord’s sacred Body is placed until midnight.
Lord, grant us the grace to abide in You through frequent and active participation in the Holy Eucharist. May Your example of service teach us to reach out to our brethren in humble service.
