Holy (or Maundy) Thursday commemorates the Last Supper. Let us pray that we may live serving others.

[UrbScotty]

Today marks the beginning of the Triduum - the three-day season on that commemorates the last Supper, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

For Catholics, the Holy Thursday Mass celebrates the institution of the Eucharist by Christ. The importance of that event is evidenced by the fact that the liturgical vestments are white. It is also the only time between Ash Wednesday and Easter Vigil (this Saturday) when the Gloria is sung during the Mass:

The Gospel (John 13:1-15) tells us of Jesus's last lesson: A lesson of humility and service.

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come
to pass from this world to the Father.
He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.
So, during supper,
fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power
and that he had come from God and was returning to God,
he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.
He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
Then he poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and dry them with the towel around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,
“Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“What I am doing, you do not understand now,
but you will understand later.”
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered him,
“Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”
Simon Peter said to him,
“Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”
Jesus said to him,
“Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed,
for he is clean all over;
so you are clean, but not all.”
For he knew who would betray him;
for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

So when he had washed their feet
and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,
he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

We always strive to answer that call to service - including at the Holy Thursday Mass itself.In many parishes, parishioners have their feet washed.

After communion, the Mass concludes not in the usual way, but with a procession of the Eucharist. It is a very solemn, poignant time, during which the people contemplate Christ entering into his passion. The Pange Lingua is traditionally chanted:

(Note the picture of St. John Paul II, who died 10 years ago today.)

1. Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s glory,
Of His flesh the mystery sing,
Of the blood, all price exceeding,
Shed by our immortal king,
Destined, for the world’s redemption,
From a noble womb to spring.

2. Of a pure and spotless virgin,
Born for us, His love to show,
He, as man, with man conversing,
Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
Then He closed in wondrous fashion,
This His life on earth below.

3. On the night of that last supper,
Seated with His chosen band,
He, the paschal victim eating,
First fulfills the law’s command;
Then as food to all His brethren
Gives Himself with His own hand.

Let us pray that we may emulate Jesus's example of selfless and humble service.

[hrmjustin]

1. Have a great day my friend.

[UrbScotty]

3. You too, Justin!

[No Vested Interest]

2. The Servant Song - always makes me cry. It reminds me

of the love/sacrifice between a husband and wife;
it reminds me how my spouse gave daily of his labor for his family so that all would be well for us.

[UrbScotty]

4. It is very beautiful, isn't it?

[hrmjustin]

5. Out withthe bar crowd after church.