Thursday 29 March 2018

Holy Thursday 2018 The Mass of the Lords Supper

Holy Thursday 2018
The Mass of the Lords Supper

This morning in my devotional reading, part of which is working through the Catechism in a year, I read:
"1113 The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation or Chrismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony."
And today's mass, like all masses is a celebration of the Lord's Supper. But today in the church year is the celebration as part of the passion week. One of my favorite representations of this in artwork is by Salvador Dali. I know that there are many versions of this image that would be more historically accurate, but this image reminds me of our celebrating this in remembrance. The structure of the beams, reminds me of some churches I have visited. The outstretched arms in the background help me focus on the cost of the sacrifice. But if you google this image you will see various shades, from more subtle earth tones, to vibrant blues, to more luminescent yellows and oranges. I have never seen the original, and I know from taking a picture every time I am in church, that lighting can affect a picture greatly, even with no filters.

First Reading Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Responsorial Psalm 116: 12-13, 15-16, 17-18 Response 1 Corinthians 10:16
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel John 13:1-15

From our second reading today:
"This is my Body that is for you.Do this in remembrance of me."
and
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood.Do this, as often as your drink it, in remembrance of me."
One of the things I am trying to live; and instill in my children is that we need to live so that all we do is done for Jesus. How we interact as a family, how they behave at school, how I treat my coworkers, the effort we give to all that we do. It should all be done for love of God and in service to him. We have been blessed with much and much will be expected of us. As we prepare to attend and serve mass this day I reflect on that first celebration of the last supper, and I pray that my actions live up to my theology.

I pray for you that you will encounter Christ in a new way this Easter Triduum, that you will encounter him in the familiar and known, and in the unfamiliar. And may the body and blood renew you and strengthen you to give all to God and live each moment for him. Blessings upon you this Holy Thursday.




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