Maundy (Holy) Thursday - Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper: April 06, 2023
Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/FRIRexuEeGU
During this Last Supper, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." He then took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:19).
This act of Jesus Christ has become known as the institution of the Holy Eucharist, or the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and is considered a central part of Christian worship. Through the sacrament, Christians believe they are partaking of the body and blood of Christ, which was sacrificed for their sins.
2. Union with Christ through Eucharist
The significance of the Holy Eucharist is that it symbolizes the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and reminds Christians of his love and sacrifice for them. It is also seen as a way for Christians to unite with one another and with Christ in a spiritual sense. The Holy Eucharist also has communal and social significance. In our Christian traditions, the Eucharist is celebrated in community, and the act of sharing the bread and wine symbolizes unity and fellowship among the participants. It is a way for Christians to come together, share a meal, and reinforce their common beliefs and values.
Moreover, the Holy Eucharist is seen as a source of grace and strength for Christians. Through the sacrament, Christians believe they receive the spiritual nourishment they need to live a faithful life and overcome the challenges of the world. It is a reminder of Christ's presence in their lives and his promise of eternal life.
3. An expression of Christian faith and identity
The Holy Eucharist is an expression of Christian faith and identity. It is a way for Christians to proclaim their belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and to affirm their commitment to living a life of love, service, and sacrifice. In this sense, the Eucharist is both a symbol and a means of embodying the values and teachings of Christ in the world.
The Holy Eucharist also has historical and cultural significance. It has been celebrated by Christians for centuries and is deeply rooted in Christian tradition and practice. In some Christian denominations, such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Eucharist is considered one of the seven sacraments, which are essential for spiritual growth and salvation.
4. Highly influenced the cultural, artistic, and literary traditions
Furthermore, the Holy Eucharist has inspired a rich and diverse artistic and literary tradition. Many of the world's greatest works of art, music, and literature have been inspired by the Eucharist, including the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Johann Sebastian Bach, and T.S. Eliot, to name just a few. If there is a Christian civilization in human tradition, then the mystery of the Eucharist is the foundation for everything.
Finally, the Holy Eucharist has played a significant role in the history of Christian theology and philosophy. It has been the subject of countless debates, discussions, and theological treatises, and has inspired many of the greatest thinkers in Christian history. The Eucharist has been used to explore questions of identity, community, sacrifice, and salvation, and has been a central part of Christian reflection and contemplation for centuries.
5. Eucharist becomes meaningful when it starts with service
When we read John 13:1-15, the passage describes Jesus washing his disciples' feet during the Last Supper, an act that has significant contextual and spiritual implications for us Christians. In fact, foot washing was a common practice in ancient times, as people walked on dusty roads in sandals and their feet would become dirty and dusty. It was usually done by a servant or a lowly member of the household. When Jesus washed his disciples' feet, he was performing a task that was traditionally reserved for the lowest servant in the house. This act was not only a symbol of humility and service but also a radical subversion of social norms.
Jesus washing his disciples' feet can be seen as a powerful metaphor for Christian discipleship. By taking on the role of a servant, Jesus was demonstrating that true greatness lies in service to others. He was teaching his disciples that they should not seek positions of power and authority but rather should humbly serve others, just as he had served them. Jesus was also foreshadowing his ultimate act of service, his sacrificial death on the cross, which would be the ultimate expression of his love and service to humanity.
6. An authentic Christian discipleship enshrined in love and compassion
Furthermore, Jesus' act of foot washing was also an invitation to his disciples to follow his example and serve others. In verse 14, Jesus says, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." This statement is a call to action for Christians, urging them to follow Jesus' example of service and humility and to serve others in love and compassion. An authentic Christian discipleship starts with service, love and compassion.
Additionally, Jesus' act of foot washing can be seen as an example of how Christians should relate to one another. Just as Jesus humbly served his disciples by washing their feet, Christians are called to serve one another with humility and grace. This means extending love, forgiveness, and compassion to others, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. It challenges Christians to follow Jesus our Master's example concretely and clearly.
Prayer: based on Psalm 116
Dear God, Your steadfast love and faithfulness toward me are always present. You have heard my voice and answered my prayers, and I am grateful for your grace and mercy. Thank you for rescuing me from the depths of despair and for lifting me up when I was brought low. You are my rock and my salvation, and I trust in your unfailing love.
May I live my life in gratitude and service to you, offering my whole heart and my whole life as a living sacrifice. May I walk in your ways and seek your will in all that I do. Thank you, God, for your love and your faithfulness. May your name be praised forever. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy name, Amen.
- Olvin Veigas, SJ
31 March 2023
3 comments:
Thank you father, for your great reflection. It’s very meaningful. I am very much touched by the fifth point of your reflection that the Eucharist becomes meaningful when it becomes service . May God bless you abundantly to continue His mission through the very gift of your life. Thank you
Thanks for the insightful reflection. Yes, we are called to unite, collaborate and accompany as a team in our activities and living.
Jesus has set an example of humility, service and sacrifice for us to follow as his true disciples. Your thoughts highlighted/reminded us of this self-emptying love. May His sacrifice on the Cross humble us as to give ourselves in self-emptying for the betterment of our brothers and sisters.Thank you.
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