Thursday, April 2, 2015

All But the Kitchen Sink


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 

1 comment:

  1. Comment on Prodigal Son Post:


    Thank 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.

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