Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday commemorates the night of the Last Supper, when Jesus gathered with His apostles to celebrate the Passover before His Passion. During the meal, He took bread and wine and gave them a new and eternal meaning, instituting the Eucharist and the priesthood. As recorded in Scripture, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup… ‘Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant’” (Matthew 26:26–28). In this sacred moment, Christ gave the Church the gift of His abiding presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

On that same night, Jesus offered a profound example of humble service. Rising from the table, He washed the feet of His disciples, saying, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do” (John 13:15). The Master became the servant, revealing that greatness in God’s kingdom is found in self-giving love. Holy Thursday thus calls the faithful not only to adore Christ in the Eucharist, but also to imitate His charity and humility in daily life.

After the meal, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray in anguish, fully aware of the suffering that awaited Him. “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). His surrender to the Father’s will opened the way to salvation. Holy Thursday invites the Church to keep watch with Him, entering into the mystery of His love poured out for the world.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, on the night before You died, You gave us the gift of Your Body and Blood and showed us the way of humble service. Teach us to love as You love, to serve without counting the cost, and to remain faithful to You in times of trial. May we draw strength from the Eucharist and stay close to You always. Amen.