“Do this in memory of me,” says Jesus!

March 28, Maundy Thursday
Daily Readings: Isaiah 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9, Revelation 1:5-8, Luke 4:16-21

The Jews celebrated many festivals, such as Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, Dedication, and Purim. The Passover falls in the first month of the year and it is on this occasion that God passed through the land of Egypt and on that night, He struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals. God's protection for the people of Israel began when He saw the blood of the Lamb. That is the beginning of the liberation of God’s people. God wanted His people to celebrate it every year, from generation to generation.

Jesus, a devout Jew, wanted to celebrate this festival. On the occasion of his last Passover, Jesus wanted to celebrate it with a real difference. He replaced the flesh of the lamb with his own body. He replaced the blood of the lamb with his own. The lamb has to be without blemish. Jesus was indeed the Lamb of God, without any sin. He broke his body and shed his blood. That is the institution of the Holy Eucharist and with it comes the institution of the Holy Order, the priesthood. He also asked the disciples to commemorate it forever. That is why the priest has to celebrate the Holy Mass every day, and the people of God participate in the banquet of the Lord with reverence.

St. Paul is the first ever New Testament writer to write a narrative about the Institution of the Holy Eucharist. He was not there when Jesus did it. He confessed that he received this tradition from the Lord himself. Therefore, this tradition has a divine origin. Jesus, following the God of the Old Testament, wished for this event to remain forever in his memory. The purpose of this celebration is to proclaim the Lord’s death until he returns. That is exactly the mystery of faith that we solemnly proclaim in every Eucharistic celebration.

As Jesus celebrated the Passover with a difference, he insisted on the importance of humility and service. He washed the feet of his disciples. He also challenged them to wash one another’s feet, following his good example. He also emphasized the purity of mind and body, namely a proper disposition to receive the body and blood of Jesus. What Jesus did on that day is something that we have to keep celebrating in his memory! There are no substitutes for humility and humble service. Jesus invites us to spend at least an hour in his presence tonight, commemorating his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane!

Call to Action for Catholic Living: Jesus, the Son of God, is an exemplar of excellence. We have to make efforts to imitate him as long as we are in the flesh. God sees our efforts! The final result is in God’s hands!