Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three most sacred days in the Church’s liturgical calendar. The evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with His apostles and is rich in theology, symbolism, and spiritual depth. For Catholics, this Mass is not only a remembrance but a participation in the mystery of salvation.
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The Meaning of Maundy Thursday
The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning “commandment.” It refers to the new commandment Jesus gave His disciples at the Last Supper: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (John 13:34). This command of love is central to the events commemorated on Holy Thursday.
Maundy Thursday is not only the day we remember Jesus’ final meal before His Passion, but also the day we honour the institution of the Holy Eucharist, the sacrament of the priesthood, and the call to humble service.
The Theological Significance
At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist by taking bread and wine and declaring them to be His Body and Blood. This act anticipates His sacrifice on the Cross and establishes the New Covenant, replacing the Old Covenant celebrated at the Jewish Passover. As St. Paul recounts in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, Jesus said, “Do this in memory of me.” In this command, He instituted both the sacrament of the Eucharist and the priesthood to carry out this sacred mystery.
The Last Supper was also a Passover meal. In the Old Testament, the Passover commemorates Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). At the Last Supper, Jesus transformed the Passover into the new and eternal covenant, offering Himself as the true Paschal Lamb. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains:
“By celebrating the Last Supper with his apostles in the course of the Passover meal, Jesus gave the Jewish Passover its definitive meaning. Jesus’ passing over to his Father by his death and Resurrection, the new Passover, is anticipated in the Supper and celebrated in the Eucharist” (CCC 1340).
Structure of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper has a unique structure that sets it apart from typical liturgies. Here are its main elements:
Liturgy of the Word
The readings for the day include the story of the first Passover from Exodus, Paul’s account of the institution of the Eucharist, and John’s Gospel recounting the Washing of the Feet. These readings link the Passover with Jesus’ self-offering and invite reflection on love and service.
Washing of the Feet (Mandatum)
After the homily, the priest washes the feet of twelve people, following Jesus’ example in John 13:1–15. This humble act is a powerful symbol of servant leadership. It reminds us that following Christ means imitating His humility and selfless love—not just for priests, but for all Christians. Pope Francis has often emphasized this point:
“Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He, the Lord, teaches us that we must be servants.”
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Eucharistic Prayer at this Mass is especially poignant, recalling Christ’s words at the Last Supper. The faithful receive Holy Communion, uniting themselves to Christ in His gift of self.
Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose
After Communion, the Blessed Sacrament is not returned to the tabernacle but placed in a special tabernacle on the Altar of Repose, symbolising Jesus’ journey to the Garden of Gethsemane. The faithful are invited to remain in prayer and silent adoration, keeping vigil with the Lord in His agony.
Jesus said to His apostles in the garden, “Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40). Spending time in Adoration at the Altar of Repose is a beautiful response to this invitation.
Symbolism and Traditions
Several rich symbols and traditions accompany this Mass:
- White Vestments and Decor: Symbolising joy and purity, white is used despite the approaching sorrow of Good Friday.
- Silencing of Bells and Organ: After the Gloria, bells fall silent until the Easter Vigil, reflecting the Church’s mourning.
- Stripping of the Altar: After the Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament, the altar is stripped bare. This stark act symbolises Christ’s abandonment, His stripping before crucifixion, and the desolation of the world without Him.
Living Holy Thursday
To live Holy Thursday more deeply, consider:
- Attending the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and staying for Adoration at the Altar of Repose.
- Going to Confession during Holy Week.
- Meditating on the Gospel of John, chapters 13–17, which include Jesus’ final words to His disciples.
- Praying the Rosary, especially the Luminous Mysteries, which include the institution of the Eucharist.
- Reflecting on how to live out Christ’s call to serve others—within your family, parish, or community.
Quotes from Church Leaders
“The Eucharist is the supreme proof of the love of Jesus. After this, there is nothing more but Heaven itself.” – St. Peter Julian Eymard
“In the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we relive the institution of the Eucharist, the institution of the priesthood, and the commandment of fraternal love.” – Pope Benedict XVI
“Let us remember: one cannot proclaim the Gospel of Jesus without the tangible witness of one’s life.” – Pope Francis
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is the gateway into the Paschal Mystery—the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By entering into this sacred liturgy with reverence and love, Catholics are invited not only to remember but to participate in Christ’s act of total self-gift.
Let us take this opportunity to follow His command: to love as He has loved, to serve as He has served, and to offer ourselves as living witnesses to His saving presence in the world.
