Tonight we
celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
First we remember that night when God liberated His people from the
clutches of Pharaoh and instituted the Passover meal. It is from these roots that Jesus transitions
into the particular rites of the Last Supper.
These are outlined by Saint Paul – namely the scandalous association of
the bread becoming his flesh – and the wine being transformed into his blood. So far so good, but then things get a little
strange.
For tonight’s
Gospel the Church does not, as we might expect, turn to the evangelists
Matthew, Mark or Luke, who unanimously highlight the institution of the
Eucharist and the priesthood. Instead,
strangely enough, the Church draws from John’s account, which recounts instead the
washing of dirty feet. What is going on
here?
I was mulling this
over and eventually realized I needed some help. Instead of going to my bookshelf I went to my
living room. I sat down beside our
friendly neighborhood canonist and laid out the parameters of the question.
The Church, Fr.
McGowan said, selects John’s passage because it reflects the element of
service. The washing of the feet is a
reminder to serve. We receive the
Eucharist and then are bid to go out and serve.
We are called to live Jesus’ new commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you.”
On hearing this I
got the impression of the Church as mother – the Church as Italian mother to be
precise. Here she is, on one of the most
solemn nights, and she, like a good Italian mama, is trying to stuff us
full. Not content to merely proclaim
what we believe about the Eucharist and the priesthood; she also gives us a
lesson on humble service and unpretentious leadership.
And this lesson is
laid out in an optional rite. In
imitation of Christ the priest removes his chasuble and lowers himself to wash
feet. This will take place after the
homily. You will notice that only men
have been selected for this rite. This
is done purposefully. Why? Because this night is not about empowerment but
rather discipleship – and the 12 apostles were men who were chosen by Jesus to a
unique discipleship. This rite has
everything to do with recognizing that reality.
It may not be popular – but we figure neither was Jesus.
Mass concludes
with a solemn procession through the Church, accompanied by incense and the
music of an ancient hymn. Following this
the Church is left open until midnight for any who wish to make a visit. Meanwhile Rosemary and her helper will strip
the altar bare, the candles will be removed, the sanctuary lamp extinguished,
the bells put away, the flowers removed and the stark reality will hit us:
Jesus is soon to be taken away.
Make no mistake,
over the next three days the Church is not just trying to tell us something –
it is trying to tell us everything. We
must listen then, attentively, with the ears of our heart, so that at their
conclusion we will find ourselves full not with chocolates or candy, but with new
hope. Fresh vision. A reconciled heart.
Holy Thursday 2015
Mass of the Lord's Supper
Comment on Prodigal Son Post:
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing us to read your blog. I just read the post on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, I would say from reading this discourse, that the Father, was a type of Christ, in that he forgave unconditionally. A great lesson can be learned, in that although, the Son had become utterly rebellious, and would not respect his father, Still a contriteness of heart was shown with sincerely, and he made his way back to the house of his Father.
So is when we become truly contrite, and sincere before our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, he in turn, always welcomes us back home. So Many times I have fallen away from our Lord, and he has always brought me home. Home with my blessed Lord, and in the company of his People, is the best thing there is.