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Holy Thursday
1 Cor 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Grace Prayed For: Zeal for my adoption of my Baptismal promise to partner with Jesus in sharing his message of salvation with the world. a desire to share the transformative power of the Eucharist with all I encounter.
A Renewed Feast: Reflecting on Holy Thursday in the Light of the Eucharistic Revival
As Holy Thursday dawns, the air hums with a special reverence this year, charged by the Eucharistic Revival sweeping across the United States. Today’s reading, from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, takes on a particularly poignant light, offering a foundational reflection on the very heart of this revival – the transformative power of the Eucharist.
The passage opens with a simple yet profound statement: “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you…” These words, attributed to Paul, establish a direct link between Jesus and the institution of the Eucharist. The Last Supper wasn’t just a meal; it was a divinely ordained act, a gift entrusted to the early Church and passed down through the generations.
Paul then recounts the very words of Jesus: “Take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” These words, uttered at the Last Supper, hold immense significance. The bread becomes the body of Christ, a tangible symbol of his sacrifice. The act of eating becomes a form of communion, a deep connection between the believer and the divine.
“In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'” Here, the wine becomes the blood of Christ, sealing the new covenant between God and humanity. The cup becomes a vessel of redemption, a constant reminder of the price paid for our salvation.
The passage concludes with a powerful command: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” The Eucharist is not a static ritual, but a dynamic proclamation. Each time we partake, we not only remember Christ’s sacrifice, but we also announce its enduring power to the world.
In the context of the Eucharistic Revival, this passage takes on renewed meaning. It serves as a call to:
- Deepen Appreciation: By reflecting on the direct link between Jesus and the Eucharist, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for this sacred gift.
- Active Participation: The command to “do this” emphasizes active participation in the Eucharist. It’s not just a passive observation, but a conscious choice to enter into communion with Christ.
- Evangelization: The Eucharist is a powerful tool for evangelization. By proclaiming Christ’s death through our participation, we share the message of salvation with the world.
As the Eucharistic Revival continues, let this passage be a guiding light. May it inspire us to approach the Eucharist with renewed reverence, to actively participate in this sacred meal, and to share its transformative power with the world. For in the Eucharist, we encounter not just a symbol, but the very presence of Christ, a source of nourishment, hope, and everlasting love.
Today’s Challenge: Become a More Mindful Participant in the Eucharist. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and even tastes during the Mass. Notice the beauty of the sacred space, the music, the incense, and the taste of the bread and wine. Allow these sensory experiences to draw you deeper into the mystery of the Eucharist.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post