Good morning, good people. May the Lord give you peace, health, and healing on this Maundy Thursday. It is 17th April 2025.
We reflect on Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; and John 13:1-15. We begin the Sacred Triduum with Holy Thursday, the solemn commemoration of the Lord’s Supper.
This day invites us to reflect on four profound themes: the New Lamb, New Love, New Liberation, and New Liturgy. The “hour” of Jesus has come—an hour filled with love that is unwavering and eternal.
Pope Francis reminds us, “The Church is a story of love, and we are part of it… True love is expressed in everyday life, with its problems, its feelings of affection and dislike… it must lead us to do good, to dirty our hands in works of love.”
A newly ordained priest, overwhelmed by his responsibilities, once confessed to an elderly parishioner that he felt unworthy to stand at the altar. The old man smiled and replied, “Father, none of us are worthy—but love makes us ready. Every time you say, ‘This is my Body,’ remember—He gave it, not because we earned it, but because we need it.” That day, the priest cried—not from weakness, but from the overwhelming strength of love.
The love of Christ never fades or tires. His is a love that remains constant and consistent—a love that embraces even betrayal. On this night, Jesus gives us the Eucharist, institutes the ministerial priesthood, washes the feet of His disciples (including His betrayer), and proclaims the New Commandment of love.
The love of Jesus is agape—a pure, self-giving, and unconditional love. It is not reserved for a select few but poured out for all humanity. In the Eucharist, love and service converge.
Without sacrifice and service, our faith risks becoming merely ritualistic. Jesus bends low to wash our feet, calling us to do the same for others: “If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
St. John Chrysostom teaches us, “He who truly loves always sees himself as the servant of the one he loves.” The First Reading recounts the first Passover, a memorial for all generations.
“This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord… throughout your generations.” (Exodus 12:14) As the blood of the lamb protected Israel, the Blood of Christ delivers us from sin and death.
The Second Reading, from St. Paul, echoes the words of Jesus: “Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24) Every Eucharist is not just a meal, but a memorial of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
It is a call to love, forgive, and serve—even when it is difficult. The Responsorial Psalm beautifully affirms, “Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.” (Psalm 116:13)
Christ’s act of washing the feet of His disciples—especially those who would betray and abandon Him—is a powerful reminder that true love is expressed in humble service.
Even though many churches may not reenact this due to health protocols, the call to serve remains urgent. Our worship must overflow into action, or else it remains incomplete.
“If you love those who love you, what reward have you?” (Matthew 5:46) Can we wash the feet—serve—the ones who’ve hurt us, spoken ill of us, or wounded us deeply?
Even Judas, the one who would betray Jesus, received bread and wine from the Lord. What a radical act of love! Jesus doesn’t exclude anyone from His table of mercy.
Today is a day to pray for our priests and bishops. Let us support them not only in words but in deeds. Have we criticized them more than we have prayed for them? They are part of our family in faith—let us show them love and gratitude.
As we gather at the Lord’s table, let us allow the Eucharist to transform us into instruments of love. May our service be genuine, our forgiveness sincere, and our hearts ever open to lift others in love.
Let us celebrate this Holy Thursday with gratitude, humility, and renewed dedication to serve as Jesus did.
May God bless you abundantly.