Holy Thursday - Remembrance

On Holy Thursday, the Church takes us back to the night when everything changed. In the reading from Exodus (Ex 12:1-8, 11-14), we stand with the people of Israel as they prepare to leave slavery in Egypt. An unblemished lamb is chosen. Its blood is placed on the doorposts. The people eat the meal in haste, ready to move, trusting that the Lord will pass over them and lead them to freedom. This first Passover is something to be remembered – a memorial for all generations. They are not simply to recall the story, but to remember that God’s saving love continues.

In Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 11:23-26), Jesus does not offer the blood of a lamb. He offers himself. “This is my body…This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” The Passover becomes the Eucharist. No longer are doorposts marked with blood, now it is we who are marked by grace. Jesus gives us a new memorial for all generations when he says, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Each time we receive Holy Communion, we are not simply to recall the story, but to remember that God’s saving love continues.

The Gospel (Jn 13: 1-15) brings us into the Upper Room. Jesus kneels and washes the feet of his disciples. The Master takes on the role of a servant. Peter struggles to accept this. It feels too humble, too personal. But Jesus tells him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Before we can serve others, we must first allow the Lord to serve and cleanse us. Before we can love well, we must receive his love.

Holy Thursday holds all of this together. The Body and Blood we receive are meant to shape the way we live. The love we receive at the altar is the love we are called to give.

On this holy night, we remember that Jesus “loved them to the end.” He loves us to the end as well. In every Eucharist, in every quiet act of service, the Passover continues. God’s saving love continues.

Faith Sharing Questions

1. The reflection begins with the idea that on Holy Thursday, the Church takes us back to the night when everything changed. What changed that night?

2. In John’s Gospel Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. What does it mean in your life to allow Jesus to “wash” you?

3. How does Holy Thursday prepare you for Good Friday?