Holy Thursday Reflection

Maundy (or Holy) Thursday
Lisa Boris, Chief Finance and Operations Officer

Today begins the Triduum, the three most sacred days in the liturgical year.  On this Holy Thursday, we recall the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood at the Last Supper, the washing of the disciples’ feet, Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His betrayal and arrest. Throughout all of these events, Jesus remains a humble servant of God (a theme we hear about earlier this week as well). 

Tonight, Jesus celebrates the Last Supper with the disciples, knowing that one of them will betray him. All were welcome at His table. During the meal, Jesus bowed down and washed their feet, which had walked through the dusty, dry, desert heat. This was a physically unpleasant task so humiliating it was not even asked of the lowest of servants. Jesus does it willingly as an example of how to treat others. 

After dinner, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He asks God to take away the suffering He is about to experience. However, as a true servant of God, Jesus ultimately accepts it, saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). 

It can be challenging to follow the example of Jesus and be humble servants of God. During these next few days, when a difficult family member or someone who has hurt us walks through the door, will we welcome them to the table? Will we serve them with love, even when it’s uncomfortable? Will we humbly do the hard or unseen work to prepare our homes and hearts for Easter? Will we stay faithful, as Jesus did, even when the path ahead is uncertain or painful?

​This Triduum, may we seek to serve as Jesus served and to love as Jesus loved.