Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 115; 1Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15
The Lord’s Supper is celebrated at a convenient time usually in the evening. It reminds us of the first Passover in which the Israelites left Egypt. As the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites, so the blood of Jesus Christ brings salvation to the whole world. The first reading captures this experience and relates the instructions on the Passover meal. Apostle Paul in the second reading speaks on the spirituality and institution of the Eucharist. Therefore, this mass begins the Easter Triduum, and commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples more explicitly.
This mass also marks the twin birth of the Eucharist and the Priesthood. Before offering himself to the Father on the Cross, Jesus offers himself as the bread of life to his Apostles and through their ministry to every person. Luke 22:19 says “and he (Jesus) took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” With these words Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the Priesthood. Thus, through the priesthood, Christ made his sacrifice his body and blood ever present, until the end of time.
Again, today’s mass is a blend of joy and sadness; happiness and sorrow. We are happy because of the birth of the Eucharist and the Priesthood. And so the altar is decorated, ‘Gloria’ is sung, White vestments are worn, the bells a rung throughout the Gloria. We are sad because the Lord’s Supper is a farewell meal with the Apostles. It brings to mind; the restlessness at Gethsemane; the plea for prayers; the betrayal of Jesus Christ; the reaction of Peter; and the arrest of the innocent.
Nevertheless, this mass demonstrates Christ’s love. Jesus demonstrated this love by washing the feet of the disciples. This act was a sign of service to everyone. Thus, he says “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.” We too must imitate this example of service. 1Peter5:3 says; “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” Again, the gospel says in John13:1 “…he loved them to the end.” To love to the end, is to love to the extreme that is, he loves even unto death. In John 15:13 Jesus says “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” He offered his life for us; what can we offer to him? Are we passionate lovers of God?
Finally, the reference to bathing and the washing of the feet also remind us that our souls were cleansed at baptism but that, from time to time, we need to be cleansed again at the Sacrament of Reconciliation. By washing we have part in Jesus. For he said to Peter in John 13:8 “…If I do not wash you, you have no part with me.” The saints had part in his kingdom by washing (Rev. 7:14). Let learn to wash and have part in Jesus. (Are you washed in the blood?)
LET US PRAY
O God, who have called us to participate in this most sacred Supper, in which your Only Begotten Son, when about to hand himself over to death, entrusted to the Church a sacrifice new for all eternity, the banquet of his love, grant, we pray, that we may draw from so great a mystery, the fullness of charity and of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. AMEN.
