Holy Thursday: The Institution of the Eucharist and the Prie

Feast Day: Thursday of Holy Week (Three days before Easter)
Liturgical Color: White (Symbolizing joy, purity, and the sacramental nature of the Eucharist)
Significance: Celebrates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, the beginning of the priesthood, and Jesus’ act of humble service in washing the disciples’ feet.

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three most sacred days of the liturgical year, leading up to Easter Sunday.

On this night, Jesus gathered with His disciples for the Last Supper, where He:

1. Instituted the Holy Eucharist, offering His Body and Blood as the new Passover sacrifice.
2. Established the priesthood, instructing His disciples to "do this in memory of Me."
3. Demonstrated humility and service, by washing the feet of His disciples.
4. Gave the New Commandment of Love, calling His followers to serve one another.

After the Last Supper, Jesus entered the Garden of Gethsemane, where He began His Agony and Passion, leading to His arrest.

"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’"

• Jesus transforms the Passover meal, making Himself the true Paschal Lamb.
• The Eucharist is the greatest gift of love, where Christ remains truly present under the forms of bread and wine.

"Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. When he had washed their feet, he said to them, ‘Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.’"

• Jesus teaches humility and the importance of serving others.
• This act foreshadows the total self-giving of Jesus on the Cross.

"Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here, while I go over there and pray.’ And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’"

• Jesus enters into deep agony, fully accepting the Father’s will.
• His suffering begins before the physical Passion, showing His total obedience and sacrifice for humanity.

"While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs. And he came up to Jesus at once and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you came to do.’"

• Judas’ betrayal represents sin’s rejection of God’s love.
• Jesus willingly allows Himself to be arrested, showing that His Passion is an act of self-giving love.

Holy Thursday is one of the most theologically rich days in the Church’s liturgical year:

1. The Gift of the Eucharist – Christ gives us His Body and Blood, fulfilling His promise in John 6:51, “The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
2. The Foundation of the Priesthood – Jesus commands His disciples to continue offering the Eucharist, establishing the ministerial priesthood.
3. The Call to Servant Leadership – The washing of feet teaches that true greatness is found in service.
4. The Agony of Christ and His Obedience – In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ suffering shows His complete submission to the Father’s will.

• 4th Century: The early Church observed the celebration of the Eucharist and foot washing on Holy Thursday.
• 7th Century: The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum (“command”), referring to Christ’s command to love one another.
• Middle Ages: The practice of reposing the Blessed Sacrament after Mass for Eucharistic Adoration became widespread.
• Today: Holy Thursday remains a deeply solemn and sacred day, marked by Mass, adoration, and the stripping of the altar.

• This Mass commemorates the Last Supper and includes:
  • The Washing of the Feet, reminding us of service and humility.
  • The Consecration of Extra Hosts, which will be used on Good Friday, since no Mass is celebrated that day.
  • A Eucharistic Procession, where the Blessed Sacrament is placed in a tabernacle for adoration.

• Many priests renew their vows on this day, recognizing their role in continuing Christ’s mission.

• After Mass, the altar is stripped, symbolizing the abandonment of Jesus in His Passion.
• The Eucharist is removed from the main altar and placed in a side chapel for adoration.

• Many Catholics spend time in silent prayer before the Eucharist, recalling Jesus' request to “watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41).
• Some follow the tradition of visiting seven churches to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.

• Attend the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and reflect on the gift of the Eucharist.
• Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, meditating on Christ’s agony in the Garden.
• Read John 13-17, Jesus’ final discourse to His disciples.
• Perform an act of service, following Christ’s example of washing the disciples’ feet.
• Pray for priests, that they may remain faithful to their mission.

Holy Thursday is a day of great joy and solemnity, celebrating the greatest gifts Christ has given us—the Eucharist, the priesthood, and the command to love through humble service. As we enter the mystery of the Triduum, we are invited to walk with Christ from the Upper Room to Gethsemane, preparing our hearts for His Passion and Resurrection.