Holy Thursday

I always feel overwhelmed when we reach this beautiful day at the close of the Lenten season – it has always been special for me and perhaps for you. Should I turn my thoughts to the discourse of Jesus at the Last Supper as recorded in the Gospel of John (Chapters 13-17), or focus on a few selected verses from that text?

Or, again, should I move forward with the liturgy to reflect on the agony in the garden and Jesus’ night of suffering when he called out? Could you not watch one hour with me? Or consider the many scenes of that terrible night?

Maybe I should take one thought and stick with it. Why not imagine myself in the Cenacle, where I can listen quietly to Jesus’ words: “I have longed to eat this Passover with you. Do this in remembrance of me?” I can hear and meditate upon his words and listen to him speaking to me.

Better yet, abandon all efforts to think and let the mind flow into the heart to experience Jesus’ presence in the here and now.

May my prayer this day and night flow from Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s four ends of prayer: quiet adoration of God’s saving love in Christ, humble repentance for failing to live in so great a love, profound thanksgiving for the gift of Eucharist given freely, and sincere prayer for our world so in need of Christ’s redeeming love.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you have given us the gift of the Eucharist as the memorial of your suffering and death. May our worship of this sacrament of your body and blood help us to experience the salvation you won for us and the peace of the kingdom where you live with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.