Holy Thursday 2026

 Holy Thursday April 02, 2026

Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; Cor 11: 23-26; John 13: 1-15

(image courtesy: Google)

Pope Francis, in a dramatic gesture after an unprecedented retreat at the Vatican, knelt to kiss the feet of South Sudan's previously warring leaders on Thursday as he urged them to not return to a civil war. He appealed to President Salva Kiir, his former deputy turned rebel leader Rick Machar, and three other vice presidents to respect an armistice they signed and commit to forming a unity government next month. "I am asking you as a brother to stay in peace. I am asking you with my heart, let us go forward. There will be many problems but they will not overcome us. Resolve your problems," Francis said in improvised remarks. The leaders appeared to be stunned as the 82-year-old pope, who suffers from chronic leg pain, was helped by aides as he knelt with difficulty to kiss the shoes of the two main opposing leaders and several other people in the room.

Today, on this Holy Thursday, we are invited into that same mystery of love. 

In the Gospel of John, Jesus does something shocking. The Master becomes a servant and washes the feet of His disciples. Then He gives a command, not a suggestion but a commandment. “Love one another as I have loved you.” This is not ordinary love. It is not comfortable or selective. It is a love that bends down, forgives even when wounded, and serves without expecting anything in return. Jesus does not say love as you wish, but love as I have loved you. This means loving even when it is difficult, loving those who misunderstand us, and loving those who hurt us. St Teresa of Calcutta once said, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” This commandment begins in the ordinary moments of daily life, in our homes, our communities, and our relationships. Yet we know this kind of love is not easy. It demands humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to let go of oneself.

The second reading brings us to the heart of this night, the Eucharist. St Paul reminds us of what Jesus did when He took bread, broke it, and said, “This is my body. This is my blood.” The Eucharist is not just a ritual but love made visible. It is Jesus giving Himself completely, His body and His blood, His life and His love. Every time we participate in the Eucharist, we are not simply receiving Christ but entering into His way of loving. The Eucharist teaches us to be broken for others, to be shared with others, and to be given for others. St John Paul II reminds us, “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.” If we receive the Eucharist but refuse to love others, we contradict what we celebrate. If we come to the altar but hold on to anger or resentment, we miss its meaning. The Eucharist is not complete until it becomes life within us. We are called not only to receive Christ but to become Christ for others.

This sacred night also reminds us of the institution of the priesthood. When Jesus said, “Do this in memory of me,” He entrusted the Eucharist to His disciples and made them priests. Priesthood is not about power or status but about service. A priest is called to give himself, to serve people, and to stand as a bridge between God and humanity. Yet today priesthood faces many challenges. There are fewer vocations, and many young people hesitate to respond to this call. The world offers comfort and success, but priesthood demands sacrifice and commitment. 

There are also struggles within the life of priests, including loneliness, pressure, misunderstanding, and at times human weakness. In today’s digital world, especially through social media, the mistakes and failures of priests and religious are quickly spread and magnified. What was once hidden is now seen by all. This can cause pain and disappointment. But we must remember that priests are human and carry weaknesses like everyone else. They are called to a higher responsibility, and therefore their failures become more visible. Yet one failure does not define the whole priesthood. Many priests continue to serve quietly, faithfully, and generously every day. St John Vianney said, “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.” This is the truth we must hold on to. We are called to pray for priests, to support them, and to encourage young people to listen to God’s call with courage.

All that we celebrate today is deeply connected. The commandment of love, the gift of the Eucharist, and the institution of the priesthood are not separate realities. Love becomes visible in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is made present through the priesthood. And priesthood exists to serve love. These are not ideas but a way of life that we are invited to live each day.

At the beginning, we saw a powerful moment of humility and love when Pope Francis knelt down and kissed the feet of leaders divided by conflict. That moment was not just a gesture. It was the Gospel lived out. It was the Eucharist expressed in action. It was priesthood lived in humility and service. Without long explanations, he showed what it means to love as Christ loves. Today Jesus invites each one of us to live that same love, not through big words or grand actions, but through simple acts of humility, service, forgiveness, and self giving. “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Happy Feast