HOMILY OF MAUNDY THURSDAY
Exodus 12:1-8,11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15
THEME: THE EUCHARISTIC LIFE
On this special day, usually in the morning, the bishops celebrate with the priests as they renew their priestly promises. At the Mass, the holy oils are blessed. These include: oil of the sick, the oil of catechumen; and the Chrism.
The evening ushers in the celebration of the institution of the Holy Eucharist, popularly called the celebration of the Last Supper, where Jesus Christ calls us to be at the service of others, through the washing of the apostles’ feet.
Shortly before the Lord departed this world, he gave himself willingly at the last Supper. The Holy eucharist remains the sacrament of his presence in the world.
It’s important to know that wherever we’re not remembered, it simply means that we have never lived there. But we continue to exist wherever our impact is felt. Jesus, in the sacrament of his love, continues to live among us.
The word Eucharist means thanksgiving. Offering himself in thanksgiving to his Father, Jesus showed us that the best of thanksgiving is in service. In the context of the Last Supper, he washed the feet of the apostles and he said,
“Do you understand’ he said “what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and rightly; so I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.”
Jesus shed his blood, not only on the cross, but also through all that he passed through in the street of Jerusalem and its environs. Following the example of Jesus, we ought to be humble so that we can give ourselves out in service.
To be Eucharistic, we must pour out ourselves like libation. We must be selfless. We must always be grateful to God.
May the life of Christ shine brightly in us and through us. Amen.
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