MASS, THE NEW PASSOVER SACRIFICE - 04/06/23 (Holy Thursday -Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper)

1 Corinthians 11:23–24

Brothers and sisters: I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040623-Supper.cfm

Blessed Maundy Thursday! Today is the beginning of the Sacred Triduum, the greatest feast in the Catholic Church. The Triduum begins with the celebration of the Lord's Supper, it continues with the remembrance of His Passion and death on Good Friday, and it ends with the glorious celebration of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. For the Jews, during the time of Passover, they prepared a roasted lamb, unleavened bread and bitter herbs for their passover meal. However, these three things foreshadowed the first Mass which took place on the Last Supper. The roasted lamb in the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. It's not just enough for Jesus to shed His blood on the cross because our purpose in life is not just about salvation and forgiveness of sins, though these are essential. Rather, our purpose in life is to be glorified with Christ and be united with God. Jesus Christ wants us to be purified and be consumed by the fire of His love. And, He did this by combining the two elements of lamb and the unleavened bread. He did this by making Himself, the Lamb of God, truly present under the appearance of bread and wine, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. 

The Eucharist is truly, literally and really Jesus Christ. This is explained in more details from the articles below this reflection. When we reflect on a normal bread, it sustains us, and as time goes by, it dissolves for it to be part of us. This is what Jesus wants because of His love for us. He desires to be really and truly united with us, physically and spiritually, which only happens when we receive the sacrament of the Eucharist. And, what about the bitter herbs? The herbs that tasted bitter represent the sufferings in our lives that are so uncomfortable for us, but when we endure it with Jesus, these sufferings are good for our souls. We do not have the strength on our own to accept the cross in life. This is why we need the Eucharist because Jesus will strengthen us as we carry our crosses. This was timely given that our Lord suffered and died on the day just after Thursday. But, He was able to do it because He knew that the Father loved Him, that He would return to the Father and that His sacrifice would lead to the glory of God and the salvation of souls. As we receive Jesus in the Eucharist today, let's also spend time with Him in the Adoration to console our Lord and for us to be strengthened as well. As we begin this Sacred Triduum, let's remember that the sacrifice which is most pleasing to the Father is when we are united with the Eucharistic sacrifice of Jesus during the Mass. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Article on the Sacrifice of the Mass:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/the-institution-of-the-mass

Article on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/christ-in-the-eucharist

Fasting and Abstinence during Lent:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56337/fasting-and-abstinence-during-lent

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth