On Holy Thursday, the whole Church gathers to celebrate the institution of the Most Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders. Two great gifts our Blessed Lord gives of himself for all future generations, so that they may know that they are never abandoned, nor forsaken. The hands and voice of the priest are conformed in a special way to that of Christ, so that during the conferral of the sacraments for the healing and strengthening of God’s holy people, it is not the priest’s hands, it is Christ’s hand; it is not the priests voice, it is Christ’s voice. 

As stated in the Eucharistic prayer: 

“On the day before he was to suffer, he took bread in his holy and venerable hands, and with eyes raised to Heaven, to you, O God, his almighty Father, giving you thanks he said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples saying: Take this, all of you, and eat of it. For this is my body, which will be given up for you.” 

The voice speaking these words is the second person of the Most Holy Trinity, the divine word of God, who from the beginning, spoke and it came to be at the time of creation. The same word that John relates was gloriously made flesh and dwelt among us. This word speaks today, “This is my body.” Could one ever exhaust such a beautiful and majestic gift? 

The mass on Holy Thursday, is much like every other mass that one participates in, albeit with more solemnity and beauty. However, the conclusion of mass is omitted. After communion, the ministers take the blessed sacrament that remains to a tabernacle in a solemn procession where all kneel in adoration. After a period of silent prayer, all depart. 

Following the last supper with his Apostles, Jesus goes to pray in the garden of Gethsemane. Nothing that he has not modelled for his Apostles countless times, but this time, he asks Peter, James and John, the three he brought up the mountain and was transfigured before them, revealing the splendour of his divinity, now invites them to see his humanity as he is “deeply grieved, even to death,” knowing the hour of his bitter passion is already approaching guided by Judas. 

Jesus asks one thing of these Apostles, “Remain here and keep awake,” then proceeding a few paces away, falls onto the ground and prays. How could the apostles fall asleep? They were invited to witness the inner workings of the Most Holy Trinity. They have been asked to comfort the one they claimed to have loved, and yet they sleep. How easy it is to sleep in the presence of God. Jesus is always present in the Eucharist, broken and poured out for us, and how easy we sleepwalk past Him as if that glorious presence is not there. How often do we receive communion and then instantly concern ourselves with the many anxieties of our life? 

This evening, we are asked to stay awake. “Could you not keep awake one hour?” Peter, James and John could not take the cross from Jesus, nor is that asked of them. Jesus asks them to shoulder that burden with him by remaining present while he prepared for his hour to be at hand. 

Consider remaining after Holy Thursday’s mass to simply “be” with the Lord so that we can console his grieving heart; the heart that will be pierced for our salvation. 

Let this night be an offering of love; to share in the sacrifice He is about to make out of love for us. 

Holy Week Schedule