Holy Thursday – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Today's Mass Readings

The highlight of the Mass on Holy Thursday is the institution of the Eucharist. We recall how Jesus at the Last Supper gave us the Sacrament of His Body and Blood.

Our second reading captured this key event. Jesus took bread, broke it and said, ‘This is my body …’ He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood …. ‘“

But it’s surprising that today’s Gospel reading does not mention the institution of the Eucharist.

Instead, we have the mundane action of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. We have the debate between Jesus and Peter about whether this washing of feet is appropriate.

Just in case we might miss the point, Jesus sums up this foot-washing drama when he says, “But if I washed your feet—I who am Teacher and Lord—then you must wash each other’s feet.”

This simple but startling action of Jesus—washing the feet of his disciples—gives a profound meaning and dimension to the Eucharist that can often be overlooked.

Whenever we come together to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, we do so in the context of Jesus’ washing the feet of his followers and his clear command, not a wish, that we wash each other’s feet.

Jesus insists that receiving his Body and his Blood cannot be separated from the service to and the care of the very people we live with, work with, play and pray with.

And yes, living, and working, and playing, and praying together can often be as messy as washing one another’s feet.

Reflection: How have I washed the feet of others? How could I do this in new ways?

Reflection by Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB