Though Holy Thursday is not a holy day of obligation, it is an important and complex feast when we hear Jesus’ final instructions and teaching to his disciples, celebrate the Institution of his Priesthood and the Eucharist at the Last Supper. It is the night of Jesus’ betrayal and agony in the Garden of Gethsemane wherein he asks his followers to spend an hour with him in prayer. To get the most out of our Lenten experience and celebration of Easter joy, we are urged to take that hour and meditate on the depths of God’s love.
According to Detroit Archbishop Alan Vigneron, (The Michigan Catholic, April 8), ‘All of us are tempted to look for a detour around Calvary as we make our way to Paradise,’ but to be witnesses of God’s Mercy, we have to enter into the meaning of the events of Christ’s suffering and death…’it is necessary to meditate on the mystery of the cross.’
As preparation to enter into this mystery of salvation, we begin with Jesus at the place where he would celebrate the Pasch with his disciples: his final Passover meal.
During the meal, Jesus took off his outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist and began to wash his disciples’ feet.
‘When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them…. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you…no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’ John 13:12, 15-17 God reveals the necessity of humble service and for cleansing, symbolizing the waters of baptism.
Then Jesus began to feel troubled in spirit. Knowing that he would be betrayed and who it was who would betray him, said,
“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:33-34
Jesus comforts his disciples (John 14) and promises them: “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.’
Then Jesus foretells the coming darkness alluding to its mysterious purpose.
‘…the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.’ John 14:30-31
Jesus goes on to console his disciples in advance knowing that they will abandon him soon.
“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16: 32-33
Jesus prays for his disciples and for all believers to be united in him:
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:25-26
Proceeding to the Garden on the Mount of Olives, Jesus is crushed under the weight and enormity of our sins. He breaks out in sweat mixed with blood and is comforted by an angel.
‘An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.’ Luke 22:43-44
‘… he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.’ Isaiah 53:5
In the procession during the Offertory of the Holy Thursday Mass, it is blessed olive oil that is presented for use in the coming year for rites of baptism, anointing of the sick and confirmation.
The church uses this blessed oil, a symbol of its own usefullness to sweeten, strengthen and render supple: Chrism for those who had just received Baptism, the oil of Confirmation for strengthening in the faith, and the oil of the sick as an invocation to Christ who gave His creatures power to cure the sick, to purify the soul, to drive away impure spirits, and to wipe out sins.
After the Mass, the Church witnesses the esteem for the body of Christ as the consecrated Host is carried in a solemn procession to a flower-bedecked Altar of Repose, where it will remain "entombed" until the communion service on Good Friday. No Mass will be celebrated until the Easter Vigil proclaims the Resurrection.(Women for Faith and Family)
The evening of Holy Thursday marks the end of the Lenten Season and begins the sacred Triduum (three days) that includes Good Friday, Holy Saturday, culminates at the Easter Vigil and concludes at Vespers the evening of Easter day. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues by the people during the night, just as the disciples stayed with the Lord during His agony.
On Holy Thursday morning, April 21, at 11 am, Archbishop Allen Vigneron, will celebrate the Chrism Mass at Detroit’s Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. The priests of the Archdiocese will also renew their commitment to priestly service. The public is invited to attend at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral at 9844 Woodward Ave., between Chicago Boulevard and the Davison freeway.
Comments