Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, marks the beginning of the Sacred Triduum—three solemn days that commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. It starts with the Chrism Mass. The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment,” taken from Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
Holy Thursday also known as Maundy Thursday, is where the Easter tridium begins and it starts with the Chrism Mass.
It is a night of profound mystery, where divine love is revealed not through thunder or glory, but through humble service and self-giving.
The Significance of Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday stands at the heart of our faith because it is the night in which Jesus gave us three of His greatest gifts—each one a foundation of Christian life.
- The Institution of the Holy Eucharist – Jesus transformed bread and wine into His Body and Blood and handed Himself over in the most intimate way possible. Through this, He remains with us always, even until the end of time.
- The Institution of the Priesthood – Through this, the Eucharistic mystery continues to be made present at every Mass. Christ ordained His apostles and gave them the sacred duty to “do this in memory of Me,” ensuring that the gift of the Eucharist would never cease.
- The Call to Sacrificial Love – Shown through the washing of feet, a gesture of radical humility. In stooping to cleanse His disciples, Jesus redefined greatness, teaching us that love is not found in dominance, but in service.
Holy Thursday is a night where eternity touches time. It is a moment of divine intimacy—a celebration of love, service, and the divine presence that sustains us through life’s trials. This day invites us to enter into the mystery of Christ’s love, not as observers, but as participants who receive, remember, and respond.
On this night, we recall three pillars of our Catholic faith instituted by Christ:
– the Priesthood,
– the Holy Eucharist, and
– the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
The Chrism Mass, often celebrated earlier in the day, gathers priests around their bishop to renew their priestly vows and receive the holy oils that will be used throughout the year. In the evening, the Church celebrates the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, commemorating that sacred meal where Jesus gave us His Body and Blood under the signs of bread and wine, becoming our eternal High Priest and the perfect sacrificial Lamb.
But Holy Thursday is more than a ritual. It is a mirror held up to our souls. Jesus, the Master, knelt to wash the feet of His disciples—including the one who would betray Him. In doing so, He showed us what love truly means—not power, not prestige, but humble service. He invites us to do the same.
We also remember the sorrow that shadowed this holy night:
– the prediction of Judas’ betrayal,
– Peter’s denial, and
– the apostles’ confusion.
Still, Jesus remained steadfast. After the Supper, He went into the Garden of Gethsemane, inviting His closest friends to watch and pray with Him. They fell asleep. He remained alone in agony, His soul sorrowful unto death. Yet He still said, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
As we reflect on the events of this night—the paschal meal, the washing of feet, the institution of the Eucharist and Holy Orders, the prediction of betrayal and denial, the priestly prayer of Christ, and His agony in the garden—we are invited not just to remember, but to enter in. To stay awake. To pray. To love.
Holy Thursday calls us to ask ourselves:
– Have I received the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude?
– Do I serve others with the humility Christ showed?
– Have I grown cold in my response to His love?
– Do I, like the disciples, struggle to keep watch with Him in prayer?
Tonight, as the altar is stripped and the Blessed Sacrament is carried to the Altar of Repose, we are invited into silence. Into mystery. Into love poured out. Christ invites us to remain with Him—not just in memory, but in heart. Let us keep vigil. Let us love as He loved. Let us not turn away.
PRAYER MEDITATION FOR HOLY THURSDAY
My Most Precious Lord Jesus, this night You gathered with Your Apostles to share with them Your last meal. But this was no ordinary meal. This was the gift of Your most Sacred Body and Blood, soon to be broken and poured out on the Cross for the salvation of the world.
Allow me, dear Lord, to spend this night in prayer and meditation with You. After the meal, You invited Your Apostles to join You for one hour, to stay awake and keep vigil as You prepared for Your arrest. The Apostles fell asleep, leaving You in Your bitter agony alone.
I accept Your gentle invitation of love, dear Lord, to spend this night in vigil with You. May I enter Your Heart as it faced the coming persecution You were to endure for my sins. May I console Your Sacred Heart and know the love and Mercy that flowed forth.
Lord, when I face the crosses of my own life, give me Your divine courage and strength to say “Yes” to the Will of the Father. Your love for me is abundant and is perfect in every way. Help me to know that love, to embrace it and to allow it into my life.
I make my vigil with You this night, dear Lord. I love You, help me to love You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
HOLY THURSDAY (MAUNDY THURSDAY)| April 17, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/17/holy-thursday-maundy-thursday/
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