Holy Thursday

Catholics remember Holy Thursday as the day the Mass began. It's the first ever institution of the Eucharist, which means the first day in which Christians could celebrate and take part of eating the Body and Blood of Christ. It's a special day for the Church and also the first day of the Paschal Triduum. It has pretty interesting history itself and also helps with the lead up to Easter.

Two things immediately stick to the forefront for this day: first obviously the institution of the Eucharist, but the second is known to those who actually go the Holy Thursday vigils.

Before the Eucharist was shared, he was a servant to those around him. He started the feast by first taking on the role as servant. Jesus got down on his knees and washed the feet of the disciples with him. This is a profound sign of humility and one of the greatest examples of Christ's mission.

"You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.  I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do." (John 13: 13-15)

"What would Jesus do?" In this moment we find the truth in Christ's mission was to serve. He was a respected teacher, master, Christ is the Lord, yet he humbled himself down to serve. As Christians we are called to follow in this manner. The mission began with Christ serving the Apostles, and this act of service is still passed on through the acts of many others who took up their cross and followed him.

Holy Thursday is also the feast in which Christ instituted the Eucharist in the Upper Room. The actual day for Jesus and his disciples was the celebration of the Jewish feast Passover. It was on this day that some of the most profound words were quoted by Jesus and said in Mass all over the world. 

“This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19)

These words have shook the world ever since this day. Holy Thursday is the day that the Mass began. Church's everywhere proclaim these words during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

So to cap it all off, Holy Thursday has two major things going. First the Washing of the Feet symbolizing Christ's message of serving others being put into action. Second, the Liturgy of the Eucharist is first celebrated so that all sins may be forgiven. These two acts are ways in which Christ himself has been able to show the depth of his love for all of us. So if Christ has done so much for us, should we not follow in his footsteps and serve others and/or bring the message of salvation to all?  

Sources:
http://www.edupics.com/maundy-thursday-last-supper-t21735.jpg
http://jaminism.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/lord-supper.jpg