On this Holy Thursday we celebrate with great joy two realities: we celebrate the fact that Christ instituted the priesthood and the fact that Christ instituted the Eucharist.
One element of our faith which is most important is that of the Most Holy Eucharist. Sadly, there are many throughout the world who have now fasted from this sacrament for some time. Nevertheless, it is my hope that during this period of fast we have grown in our trust and appreciation for the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. May we never allow ourself to take the gift of the Eucharist for granted.
It has been uplifting in these days to see so many souls who have desired in their heart to receive our Blessed Lord again. Whenever I walk into the church I always find someone deeply in prayer before the Eucharist. To those who cannot be present for this period of prayer I know that there are many who make spiritual communions throughout the day and allow their mind and heart to make a visit to the tabernacle to dwell there with Christ our Lord.
On this evening we commemorate the Lord’s Supper. If you have paid close attention you would realize that the tabernacle is currently empty. At the Eucaristic Prayer you would also realize a change of a few words from their normal format. All of this is to reflect the reality that this IS the night that our Lord took into bread and wine in His holy and venerable Hands and said “this is my Body” “this is my Blood.” “Do this in remeberance of me.”
We therefore join with them in this reality. Very soon they would face the trials of our Lord’s death upon the cross. From these trials they would be filled with fear. Nevertheless, our Blessed Lord gave them this great gift as He continues to give us this great gift. In the midst of all of our our fears, hardships, and crosses we must remember and be consoled by this great gift. Through the hands of His priests the Eucharist continues to be made manifest for each of us.
