The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, April 13, 2006
Holy Thursday

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper:

Often when we think of the last words of Christ, we recall His words from the Cross. Today, let us ponder His words at the Last Supper, the night before He died. They are words we can consider at each Mass, for this day was the institution of the Eucharist.

We recall that Christ stated He had long desired to eat this meal with His apostles. The statement has much more significance than this solitary meal. He longs to come to each of us through the Eucharist. He made a way that we can easily have this personal union with Him. He also stated a desire that we have a union with the Father as He did. Likewise, Christ demonstrated His love for us by washing the feet of His apostles. He concluded by stating that as He had done for each of them we are to do for each other.

St. John summarizes the significance of Christ's words at the Last Supper by stating "He loved His own in the world, and He loved them to the end." (John 13:1) His journey that very night, from the Garden to the Cross the next day, shows us that His words are real. How else could one show any greater love?

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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