Holy Week Meditations: Thursday 18 April

Apr 18, 2019 by

Thur

April 18

am: 102

pm: 142, 143

Ex 12:1-8,11-14 1 Cor 11:23-26 John 13:1-15

MAUNDY THURSDAY

LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY:  On Holy Thursday, we reenact the Lord’s Last Supper. This is one of the most beautiful liturgies of the entire liturgical year. At the Mass, the priest will wash the feet of twelve men, just as Jesus did. The word maundy comes from the Latin   mandatum (commandment) which is the first word of the Gospel acclamation “I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) and so these are the words spoken by our Lord to His apostles at the Last Supper, after he completed the washing of the feet.

We should imitate Christ’s humility in the washing of the feet. This ritual carried out in churches throughout Christendom and speaks volumes about what it means to truly follow Jesus. We are humbled by Jesus’ willingness to do such a personal and menial task. The model of love and willingness to sacrifice for others are so strongly portrayed in the simple act of washing feet.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY:    As you consider the Eucharistic lessons today can you imagine the turmoil and tension of that first Passover night. The people put all their trust in Moses and did what they were commanded and at midnight the darkness was filled with wailing as the angel of God took every firstborn Egyptian, man and beast. Amid confusion and fright the Hebrews left Egypt, following their leader Moses. He took them to the Red Sea and safely brought them across by parting the waters with his staff. It is no accident that the Passion of Jesus takes place at Passover time. Jesus faced a much fiercer opponent than Pharaoh; he faced death itself. To all who were slaves of sin he promised freedom and eternal life if they would follow him. Not everyone could believe but many did and became his disciples.

When one receives the Eucharist, we should be clear that the Covenant anew is forged.   Without exception the Eucharist is a tie that binds for all space and time and the teaching Christ about our accountabilities as his disciples serves as a warning to safeguard that which we have received as a precious gift. As a gift of worth are charged to be safeguarded used well and wisely.

PRAYER OF THE DAY: Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE:   “Into each of our lives Jesus comes as the bread of life…to be eaten, to be consumed by us. Then He comes as the hungry one, the other, hoping to be fed with the bread of OUR life, our hearts loving, and our hands serving”. Saint Teresa of Calcutta”

HOLY WEEK DISCIPLINE – Holy/Maundy Thursday is the day that sets the bar for the model of servant hood. In the morning, afternoon and evening   plan to commit to three acts of humble servant hood; one to a friend, one to a family member and one to a stranger.

 

 

 

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