Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) April 17, 2025
Readings: Ex 12:1-8,11-14; Ps 116; 1Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:
1-15
In most cultures a meal is a special ceremony, time and occasion. We structure our day around mealtimes. A meal involves being together like a family possibly the only part of the day. It means being one. Divorce is termed "separation of bed and board." Ripping a tablecloth symbolizes disunion in a family. Soldiers unfasten their bayonet belt upon entering a mess hall -no combat in a dining room. At the dining table enemies, especially chiefs of clans, seal their agreements by eating one another's food. All eating is meant to be sharing. You cannot have a feast without a meal. Every big occasion has one farewell as well as welcome. When a man wants to speak of something vital, or when a friend has something unpleasant to tell you, or when a man has some secret message to give to a woman - they meet over lunch. All that is suggested by the Eucharist.
The Gift of the Eucharist
Tonight's readings, especially from the Gospel of John (13:1-15), show us a compelling account of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. This action, deep in its simplicity, is an icon of humility and service. Jesus, the Master, becomes the servant—a breathtaking role reversal of worldly norms. In doing so, He sets us a new commandment, exhorting us to love one another as He has loved us.
In the Eucharistic liturgy which we celebrate, we are not simply remembering a past event; we are moving toward a more intimate communion with Christ and with each other. The Eucharist is a mystery of love. When we break the bread and drink the cup, we are reminded that in His body and blood, Christ gives out His love and grace to our lives. This gift is not only for personal nourishment; it calls us to action. It commands us to give out that love we have been given to others, particularly those who are marginalized, hurting, or vulnerable.
Sacrament of Priesthood:
At Last Supper He also established the Sacrament of Priesthood, the power and jurisdiction to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass or the Holy Eucharist. He stated: "Do this in memory of me," (Luke 22:19, 1Cor 11:24). Jesus established Priesthood because He desires that the Memorial of His suffering and death be lived through until the end of time in an unbloody fashion. And also, in the absence of the priest as the presider, the offering of the Holy Eucharist is not feasible. And so therefore, the two Sacraments are actually linked together.
The Call to Serve
When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He established a radical example for us. In our sometimes-competitive and individualistic culture, the call to servanthood can be counterintuitive. We might believe that greatness lies in places of authority or acclaim; yet, Jesus redefines greatness in humility and service. The disciples were also hesitant to accept this act of foot-washing. Peter's response is reflective of our resistance to embracing fully the call of humility and service. "Lord, you will never wash my feet." But Jesus persists, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me."
This illustrates that our relationship with Christ demands openness to be served, to be changed, and finally, to serve others. When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He reminded us that leadership and discipleship arise from serving others more than ourselves. So, as we consider this act of service, we must question: How are we washing the feet of those around us? Who are the individuals in our own lives that we are called to serve?
New Commandment of Love
After the washing of the feet, Jesus instructs us to have a new commandment: "Love one another. As I have loved you, you should also love one another." This is at the center of what makes us Christian. It is not an invitation but an obliging call that expresses the character of our religion. Love, in John's Gospel, is not described by sentiment but lived in actions—self-giving, sacrificial love.
As we go through our daily lives, it is crucial to incorporate this commandment into how we react to different situations. Love challenges us to be there in the suffering of our families, our community, and our world. It teaches us to be compassionate, kind, and accepting—most especially towards those who are hard to love.
The Preparation for the Passion
Maundy Thursday also inaugurates the Sacred Triduum, which brings us to Good Friday and the feast of the Resurrection of Easter. Within the context of the Last Supper, Jesus recognizes the gravity of the impending agony. He completely understands the significance of His impending suffering, but His attention is still on love and communion.
As we come into this season of contemplation, it is important to remember that Jesus voluntarily accepts suffering on our behalf. Christ's sacrificial love is key to comprehending the enormity of His actions tonight. In washing feet and establishing the Eucharist, He not only serves but foresees His final sacrifice on the Cross. This is the extent of His love—a love that reaches to the farthest extremes.
Tonight's liturgy invites us not only to pray individually but to see ourselves as part of a community. The Eucharistic celebration brings us together with other brothers and sisters; it is both personal and communal. We come together knowing that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.
This communal aspect also resonates the call for social justice and action in our faith. In a world of division, injustice, and pain, the message of Maundy Thursday calls us to live out our faith in action. Our testimonies of service must resound throughout our families, neighborhoods, and beyond. The commandment to love is not just for our personal relationships but calls us to address issues in society and become voices for the voiceless.
As we approach the somber observance of Good Friday and the rejoicing of Easter, let us hold the memories of Maundy Thursday in our hearts. Let us be immersed in the grace of the Eucharist and see it as a wellspring of strength for the road ahead. Let our lives be defined not by ritual alone, but by a renewed focus on loving through service.
Let us take a moment tonight to resolve to accept the call of our Lord Jesus once again—both to be served and to serve. As we draw near to the altar and ponder the sacredness of this sacrament, let us recall that in our actions of love, we do not only follow Him but become His hands and feet in the world.
Tonight, let us reaffirm ourselves in a life of love, humility, and service, living the depth of the mystery of the Eucharist that brings us closer not only to Christ but also to each other.
(Source: Some insights are taken from Kayala - homilies)
Happy Feast
Thank you very much for the inspiring and challenging reflections.
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