Holy Thursday
The Last Easter Dinner with my Mother . . . we had no idea!
Holy Thursday ~ 4/6/2023
The Triduum begins. This is the 3-day commemoration of individual events of Jesus’ Passion. Today is Holy Thursday, in remembrance of the Last Supper; tomorrow (Good Friday) is of His actual Death on a cross; and, Saturday evening, after twilight, or at dawn on Sunday, His Resurrection.
When all twelve of Jesus’ Apostles gathered for one final Passover meal with Jesus, included at the table were Judas, His betrayer, and Peter, His denier and ten others with unmentioned human weaknesses. When all were assembled, Jesus foretold of the two separate events, betrayal and denial:
“When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’” . . . Judas was adamant that he would not betray Jesus: “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He (Jesus) replied, “You have said so.” (Matthew 26:20-22,25)
And,
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written,
‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.’
Peter said to him, ‘Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you.’
Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.’
Peter said to him, ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And so said all the disciples.” (Matthew 26: 31-35)
Following this, they went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, and they could not even stay awake one hour to pray with Jesus. So, desertion started right away. “ . . . the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40-41)
This represents all of humanity being invited to enter into communion with Christ . . . we may find we want to . . . we may even truly desire it greatly . . . but, then, humanity enters and we become weak. We find or make excuses (even good ones), but in the end, we need to consider how often we, ourselves, might actually desert Christ – leave Him to do other things, seemingly more important.
This is precisely why we have been blessed with the Lenten season – to set aside the time, specifically – to be with Jesus. To bring us closer in relationship. To get to know Him better. To make Him welcome in our heart. Have we truly done that over the past 40 days?
We can still keep trying! Just because the calendar says Lent is over, or even after the Triduum through Resurrection Sunday, or even, Easter Week – we are still asked to keep the relationship growing – nurturing it with sacred time together, prayer time, fasting, charitable works and loving one another.
Today’s liturgy in the Church includes three main areas of focus. Of course, the Last Supper, which is the Eucharistic (Thanksgiving in Greek) celebration of dining with friends, but where and when Jesus also shared the sacrifice of His Body and Blood with them. It is also a memorial, “Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)
In John’s Gospel, he tells the account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. (13:1-20) He shows how they are to love one another through service. “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (13:14-15)
One of the hymns sung this evening brought me back to my childhood, and I’m surprised I remembered the words. Some things remain imprinted on your heart, despite decades since you’ve heard them: “Lord, Who At Thy First Eucharist”, (Noted in our handout: The text was by William H. Turton, 1859-1938, with Music by William H. Monk, 1823-1889).
The line that stood out for me, was: “O may we all one bread, one body be, Through this blest Sacrament of Unity.” How I wish it was that simple! We share a meal together in friendship and thanksgiving (Eucharist), and love and serve one another through that very sacrament – a Sacrament of unity. An image of the infinity symbol came to mind – an unending figure-8. We gather, we share a meal, we love and serve one another, then pause to gather and share a meal, and repeat.
How can we make that happen? Isn’t this what Jesus did with his followers? He fed 4,000 and 5,000 . . . there were often meals involved throughout His ministry. I just shared about Mary and Martha of Bethany, yesterday . . . Jesus stopped to visit them and share a meal – which Martha was busy preparing.
Our families and homes are called to be the Domestic Church – perhaps we can start there? Sharing meals, thanksgiving, and prayer with those we hold dearest. Discover ways we can love, serve, and pray for one another – children, parents, grandparents, any relatives, then invite a neighbor or friends to join you. Spread the love of Christ – it is what we are called to do.
Maybe set aside an hour of prayer for your family, as Jesus asked of His followers in the Garden of Gethsemane – try to keep it sacred and for the full hour; try to keep that time Holy, even if only for a few minutes, and strive for every day. It will make a difference in your life and in the lives of those you love.
I hope you have made this Thursday Holy and tomorrow, as well. It is Good Friday, obviously not because of the pain from torture, but because the Blood of Jesus overcame Evil and Death!
May your Blessings continue as you journey ever closer to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.