023 Holy Thursday

Readings

Cycle B Holy Thursday

Old Testament: Exodus 12: 1-14

New Testament: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26

Psalm: Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18

Gospel: John 13: 1-15

Homily Theme

Unless You Eat My Body and Drink My Blood

The first celebration of the Holy Mass today, will take place in the Diocesan Cathedral, where the local bishop, accompanied by many priests, will consecrate the Holy oils for the coming Liturgical Year. After this morning Mass the assembled priests will be able to obtain the newly blessed oils for use in their local parishes.

The celebration for the majority of those attending Mass today, will take place in their Parish Churches where there will be the washing of feet in commemoration of the Last Supper acts of Jesus. His first Act was to wash the feet of the apostles. The major Act that followed, was Jesus offering Himself in Holy Sacrifice to the Father as He changed the bread and wine into His own Body and Blood.

It is interesting to note and to always remember. At this first Mass Jesus says to Peter, “UNLESS you allow me to wash your feet you can have no part in me”. To which Peter replies, then not on my feet Lord but hands and head as well. Every child will relate to the t word ‘UNLESS’. It really means what it says. Unless you do you are in trouble. It means this is not only important to the one who is requesting something but also essential. Take note and listen well to the Readings then

The Major Act that Jesus performs at this Supper is to celebrate a Mass at which He consecrates the Bread and Wine for the first time. This is my Body and This is my Blood and He gave it to them to eat and to drink. It is also interesting to note, there is another time when Jesus say UNLESS regarding His Body and Blood. In the 6th chapter of John, He meant what He said, ‘UNLESS you eat my Body and drink my blood you can have no life in me. At this, they walked away and followed him no more. Have you or anyone in your family done this too. Read John 66:6. Jesus meant what He said for them and He means it for you and me also.

If you happen to be one of those who have walked away, or even worse, received Holy Communion without believing it was truly His Body and Blood, then repent, go to confession and come home to Him this Easter. He will be waiting with joy as He absolves you and restores you as a true follower. Say with Peter in today’s first Reading. Not only my feet but my hands and feet as well. Make this Mass your best one ever. Amen.

Don’t be like Judas who walked away.