Today we celebrate Holy Thursday where we commemorate Christ’s gift to the Church which is the Most Holy Eucharist. We must remember that this sacrificial meal was not just a meal between friends, but instead finds its context in the Passover meal. It was at Passover where the angel of death passed over the homes of the Israelites who had marked their doors with the blood of the sacrificial lamb. To commemorate this day they gather to have the Passover meal.
Therefore, what Christ does is most profound because it brought something which was observed to its fulfillment. For each of us the Eucharist is most important, not only this day, but each and every time that the Holy Mass is offered. It is at the Mass that time stands still as we join with our Blessed Lord at His Sacrifice at Calvary.
We have many priorities in this life, but nothing can be more important then God and thus Christ who is present with us Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Most Holy Eucharist. So often we forget why this gift is so important as we rush out the door and move onto the issues of this world separated from Christ. Wherever we go we must bring the Eucharist with us in the ways in which we act and order our life.
As was seen in today’s Gospel there is a call to service from this sacrament as is seen in the washing of the disciple’s feet. Likewise, each of us is to act accordingly when we behold this most wondrous of Gifts. We cannot rush out the door and forget what we behold, but instead must allow what we behold to bring about change within us.
St. Cyril of Alexandria stated: “The Eucharist heals the maladies of the soul. It strengthens it against temptation.” And the more often you receive Communion lovingly and reverently, the more good Jesus can do in your soul!”
