Homily for Holy Thursday

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

Theme: God’s Love for Humanity

The Mass of Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Holy Triduum. Within the context of our celebration today, Jesus instituted two sacraments in the church: the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Order (the ministerial priesthood). He also gave a mandate to his followers to Love one another as he have loved them. This mandate given to us today by Jesus, he exemplified himself by washing of the feet of his disciples. This act according to the Jewish custom is one done by slaves or servants. But Jesus teaching us to be true servants led by example as he washed the feet of his disciples as an invitation to fraternal love and service. In the first reading, we are presented with the Passover experience; that which brought about the liberation of God’s people from slavery in Egypt.

In the celebration of the Passover feast, the blood of the lamb was put in the two doorsteps and the lintel … and God said; when I see the blood I will Passover it. This prefigures the blood of Jesus (the one true lamb whose blood will set all people free). Thus, St. Paul in second reading, will reminds us that as often as we partake of the Eucharistic sacrifice, we re-enact the event of this day. As such, there is need for us who partake of the Eucharistic sacrifice to give it the respect and importance that it deserves. For the Eucharist is the summit of our lives and faith as Catholics. It is a wonderful gift that God has given to humanity. This brings us to some very important questions. What does the Eucharist mean to you as a person? Do you believe in the real presence of God in it and the power that is there in? The right answers to these questions will go a long way in making us true children of God. The Eucharist is an expression of God’s love for humanity.

One cannot talk about the Eucharist independent of the Sacred Priesthood. Little wonder Jesus instituted the priesthood the same time he instituted the Holy Eucharist. Thus, in today’s liturgy, we see the institution of the ministerial priesthood, a means through which the action of Jesus at the last supper will continue to be re-enacted eternally. Also, in our liturgy of today we see Jesus washing the feet of his followers, a gesture of love and humility. By carrying out this action, Jesus is teaching you and me as his followers to emulate him by doing the same thing in our daily lives. Jesus is inviting us to imbibe his servant-leader approach. This approach entails, serving people while we lead them, not by exploiting them for personal gain. This is a very important point in our individual lives, families and in the world at large. Humility is the key to the success of the model of leadership presented to us today by Jesus Christ himself. So let all be true disciples of Jesus today by leading lives of service, humility, and love.

It is my prayer that God will grant us the grace to live out these Christ-like virtues. Peace be with you. Amen.