Holy Thursday

• First Reading – Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14: The LORD commands Moses and Aaron to mark the new year and prepare for Passover. Each Israelite family is to select a flawless lamb, share as needed, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. The lamb’s blood will protect them from the impending plague, signifying the LORD’s mercy as He strikes Egypt but spares His people, establishing an eternal commemoration.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: In response to God’s boundless grace, I vow to honor Him, lifting the cup of salvation as a symbol of my commitment. Freed from my burdens, I dedicate my thanks and uphold my promises, embracing the covenant shared through Christ’s sacrifice.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 : On the night of His betrayal, Jesus established the Eucharist. Breaking bread, He offered it as His body, and the cup as the new covenant in His blood, instructing us to commemorate His sacrifice in this act until He comes again.
• Gospel – John 13:1-15: Before Passover, aware of his imminent departure, Jesus demonstrated his love by washing his disciples’ feet, a task for servants. Peter initially resisted but accepted upon understanding its necessity for fellowship with Jesus. Jesus used this act to teach humility and service, emphasizing that followers should emulate his example of serving others.

On Holy Thursday, Catholics remember the last supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles. This marks the establishment of the sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). This day also commemorates the establishment of the priesthood. The washing of the feet reminds us how Jesus instructed us to love and serve one another.

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday within the context of the Catholic liturgy, focuses on several profound themes that are intertwined with the events of the Last Supper, Jesus’ final hours with His disciples before His crucifixion. Reflecting on the Mass readings for Holy Thursday, the following themes emerge:

• The Institution of the Eucharist: The central theme of Holy Thursday is the establishment of the Eucharist, as recounted in the second reading from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Jesus breaks bread and shares the cup, declaring them His body and blood, thereby instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist as a perpetual remembrance of His sacrifice.
• Sacrifice and Salvation: The readings from Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 both highlight the theme of sacrifice leading to salvation. The Passover lamb’s blood, which spared the Israelites from death, prefigures Christ’s own sacrifice, whose blood saves humanity from sin.
• Service and Humility: The Gospel from John 13:1-15 focuses on Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, an act of humility and service. This gesture not only prepares them for the sacred meal but also sets an example for how they are to love and serve one another.
• Obedience to God’s Will: Both the Passover preparation in Exodus and Jesus’ actions during the Last Supper reflect deep obedience to God’s will. This obedience is a model for the faithful, emphasizing submission to God’s plan for salvation.
• Community and Sharing: The readings also underscore the importance of community and sharing within the faith journey. The Israelites share the Passover lamb among families, and the Eucharist is celebrated as a communal act of faith, binding the community together in memory of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Remembrance and Continuity: The directive to remember and perpetuate the memory of these significant events is a key theme. The Israelites are to remember the Passover “as a festival to the LORD”; Christians are to remember Jesus’ sacrifice through the Eucharist “until he comes.”
• New Covenant: The Last Supper marks the establishment of a new covenant, as signified by Jesus’ blood. This new covenant fulfills and transcends the old, offering salvation and a new relationship with God through Jesus’ sacrifice.
• The Institution of the Priesthood: Holy Thursday also commemorates the institution of the priesthood by Jesus Christ.
• The Agony in the Garden: After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, where he experienced great anguish and agony. This event is also remembered at the end of and after Holy Thursday Mass.

These themes are not only central to the liturgy of Holy Thursday but also to the Christian faith as a whole, highlighting the depth of Jesus’ love, the importance of community, and the call to live out a life of service and humility.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for Holy Thursday.

Attend the Mass of the Lord’s Supper

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper, celebrated on Holy Thursday, holds deep significance for Catholics as it commemorates the last supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. This event marked the institution of the priesthood and the Eucharist, foundational elements of Catholic faith and worship. Although Holy Thursday is not a holy day of obligation, attending the Mass as a family can offer a profound spiritual experience, deeply connecting participants with the mysteries of Jesus’ final hours, his sacrifice, and his enduring love for humanity. This observance invites Catholics to reflect on the gift of the Eucharist and the call to serve others in humility, embodying the lessons taught by Christ at his last supper.

Maundy Thursday: A Mandate, a Meal, and a Ministry

This Holy Thursday reflection invites us to imagine the apostles’ perspective during the events of Holy Week, highlighting the transformation of Passover into the institution of the Eucharist and the new covenant. It emphasizes Jesus washing the apostles’ feet, not just as an act of humility, but as the institution of a new priesthood, drawing parallels with Old Testament practices. This act, coupled with the new commandment to love one another and the establishment of the Eucharist, redefines the Passover as Christ’s sacrifice, offering a new way of communion with God.

Holy Thursday commemorates these foundational moments, establishing the priesthood, commanding new forms of love and service, and inaugurating the new covenant through the Eucharist, inviting us to re-enter the Garden of Eden and not abandon our Lord, reflecting on our ability to love and sacrifice as He did.

Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, a time to reflect on the Last Supper and Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist. It is a call to deepen our faith, embrace our mission, and live with a servant’s heart. We remember Jesus’ love and service, and renew our commitment to follow his example.

A Call to Mission

Through the Eucharist, Catholics believe that we are united with Christ in a profound way. We are reminded that Jesus is truly present with us in the bread and wine, and that we are called to receive this gift with reverence and awe.

The Eucharist is a source of strength and nourishment for our journey of faith. As we partake of the body and blood of Christ, we are strengthened to live out our vocation as disciples, to love and serve others as Jesus did.

At the same time, the Eucharist is a call to mission. As we receive this gift, we are reminded that we are called to share it with others, to be a witness to the presence of Christ in our world, and to work for justice and peace.

A Servant’s Heart

Jesus came to be a revelation of God. He shows us the Father’s heart, that God desires us all to live in peace and unity, and that everyone’s needs are met. Jesus teaches us to have a servant’s heart, to love and serve one another as he has loved and served us. He showed this by washing the feet of his disciples, a symbol of humility and service.

As we reflect on Jesus’ example, we are called to follow his lead and live a life of service to others. We must have a servant’s heart and do the work of actively loving each other through our actions. We must be willing to put the needs of others before our own and sacrifice ourselves for the good of others.

In the Eucharist, we see Jesus’ ultimate act of love and service. He offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins, so that we might have eternal life. In this sacrament, we are called to remember his sacrifice and to share in his love and service to others.

On Holy Thursday, we are reminded of Jesus’ call to mission and service. As we meditate on his sacrifice and love in the Eucharist, let us renew our dedication to serve others. May we live out our faith by loving and serving as Jesus did, witnessing to his presence in our world.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, on this Holy Thursday, help us to remember your sacrifice and love. Strengthen us through the Eucharist to serve others with a humble heart. May we follow your example, loving and caring for those in need. Amen.

• How does the celebration of Holy Thursday and the Eucharist deepen your relationship with Christ?
• In what ways does the Eucharist nourish and strengthen you for your journey of faith?
• How can you share the gift of the Eucharist with others in your daily life?
• What does it mean to you to receive the true and substantial presence of Christ in the bread and wine during Mass?
• How does the Eucharist inspire you to work for justice and peace in the world?
• How have you served others today? Take some time to reflect on your actions and see how you have put the needs of others before your own.
• What prevents you from having a servant’s heart? Are there any fears or insecurities that hold you back from serving others? Take some time to reflect on what may be preventing you from fully embracing a life of service.
• How has Jesus washed your feet recently? In what ways has Jesus shown you love and service in your life? Take some time to reflect on the blessings and graces that you have received from God, and how they have impacted your life.
• How can you better reflect God’s love in the world? What can you do to actively love and serve others in your community? Take some time to reflect on how you can make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Holy Thursday marks a profound moment in the liturgical year, inviting reflection on themes of service, sacrifice, and communion through the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. The music chosen for this solemn occasion encompasses a rich tapestry of melodies and lyrics that guide the faithful in meditation and worship. These songs, ranging from traditional hymns to contemporary worship music, delve into the mysteries of Jesus’ final hours before his crucifixion, his establishment of the Eucharist, and his example of servanthood. They also celebrate the unity and love found in the Christian community through the sacrament of communion, echoing Christ’s call to remember and live out his teachings in our daily lives.

• As I Have Done for You by Dan Schutte
• As It Is in Heaven by Matt Maher
• Behold the Lamb of God by Matt Maher
• Bread for the World by Bernadette Farrell
• Bread of Heaven by Jesse Manisbusan & Sarah Hart
• Eat This Bread by The London Fox Taize Choir
• Do This In Memory of Me by Chris Muglia
• Glory in the Cross by Dan Schutte
• I Am the Bread of Life by Steve Angrisano & Tom Booth
• Let Us Break Bread Together by Randall Debruyn
• Like the Bread by Tom Booth & Timothy T Casey
• Meekness and Majesty by Graham Kendrick
• O Sacrament Most Holy by Irvin Udulutsch
• One Bread One Body by John Foley
• Our Blessing Cup Is a Communion by Michael Joncas
• Overflow by Matt Maher
• Pange Lingua / Sing My Tongue by Trevor Thomson
• Remembrance by Matt Maher
• Servant Song by Donna Marie McGargill
• Table of Plenty by Dan Schutte
• The Basin and the Towel by Michael Card
• The Servant Song by Richard Gillard & Betty C. Pulkingham
• The Table by Chris Tomlin
• Tantum Ergo Sacramentum / Down in Adoration Falling by Francesca LaRosa
• Ubi Caritas / We Will Find God by Trevor Thomson

As we conclude the observance of Holy Thursday, the selected music has the power to leave a lasting imprint on our hearts and minds. Through melodies that recount the Last Supper and hymns that invite us into a deeper understanding of sacrifice and service, we are called to reflect on the profound love and mercy of Jesus Christ. These songs not only honor the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood but also remind us of our shared calling to live out the commandment of love in our own lives. May the themes of unity, sacrifice, and love resonate within us, inspiring us to embody the virtues of servanthood and communion in our walk with Christ.

What is Holy Thursday?

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles and is the first day of the Easter Triduum, the period which marks the end of Lent and leads up to Easter. Holy Thursday initiates the commemoration of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.

What date is Holy Thursday?

The next date is Thursday April 17, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Holy Thursday?

The Catholic Mass readings for Thursday April 17, 2025 are:
First Reading –  Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14: Instructions for the Passover Sacrifice and Remembering
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Trust
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: The Institution of the Eucharist
Gospel – John 13:1-15: The Humility and Service of Jesus

Why is it called Holy Thursday?

It is called Holy Thursday because it celebrates the holy events that took place on the eve of Jesus’ crucifixion, including the institution of the Eucharist and the ceremony of washing the feet. These actions highlight the sanctity of Jesus’ final hours with his disciples and his call to love and serve one another in humility.

Why is Holy Thursday also called Maundy Thursday?

Holy Thursday is also called Maundy Thursday due to the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning “command” or “mandate,” which refers to Jesus’ commandment to His disciples at the Last Supper: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). This day commemorates not only the institution of the Eucharist but also Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet, an ultimate demonstration of humility and service. The name “Maundy Thursday” highlights the importance of this command to love and serve, embodying the essence of the lessons Jesus imparted on the eve of His Passion.

What happens on Holy Thursday in the Catholic Church?

On Holy Thursday, Catholics attend a special Mass in the evening, known as the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. This Mass commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his Apostles. Key rituals include the washing of feet, which symbolizes Jesus’ service and love; the celebration of the Eucharist, marking its institution by Christ; and the procession of the Blessed Sacrament, which is then placed in an altar of repose for adoration. Holy Thursday Mass concludes with the stripping of the altar, symbolizing Jesus’ abandonment and suffering.

What is the significance of the foot washing on Holy Thursday?

The foot washing ceremony on Holy Thursday signifies Jesus’ humility and his command to serve others. By washing his disciples’ feet, a task typically performed by servants, Jesus demonstrated the depth of his love and humility. This act serves as a powerful lesson for Christians to love and serve one another, following Jesus’ example.

How does Holy Thursday relate to the Passover?

Holy Thursday relates to the Passover as it commemorates the Last Supper, which was a Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples. Just as the Passover celebrates the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian slavery, Holy Thursday commemorates Jesus establishing the new covenant through his blood, offering spiritual liberation from sin. The themes of sacrifice, salvation, and deliverance are central to both observances, linking the Jewish tradition of Passover with the Christian celebration of Holy Thursday.

Can anyone participate in the foot washing ritual on Holy Thursday?

While traditions may vary by parish, the foot washing ritual on Holy Thursday is generally open to members of the congregation symbolizing the universal call to service and humility. Originally, this ritual was performed on selected individuals representing the Apostles, but many churches now include a broader representation of the community to emphasize inclusivity and the universal call to serve as Jesus taught.

Is Holy Thursday a Holy Day of Obligation?

Holy Thursday is not a holy day of obligation, but attending as a family can be a significant spiritual experience for Catholics so many attend Mass on this day.

Is Holy Thursday part of the Triduum?

Yes. The Easter Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on the evening of Holy Thursday and concludes on the evening of Easter Sunday.