Gospel Reflection 2019/2020

MAUNDY THURSDAY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

9 April 2020

[John 13: 1-15]

Maundy Thursday marks the first day of the Easter Triduum in commemoration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is not three but one continuous liturgical celebration which starts with Maundy Thursday, followed by Good Friday and climaxed on Easter Vigil.

Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper when He instituted:

(1) The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and

(2) The Sacrament of the Holy Orders

After the Last Supper, Jesus left with His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. In His sadness and anguish, Jesus told His disciples, “My soul is sorrowful to the point of death. Wait here and stay awake with Me.” And He also urged His disciples to “pray not to be put to the test”.

Therefore, after the Maundy Thursday Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be reposed, recalling that very night when Jesus retreated to the Garden to pray. Before the Altar of Repose, let us:

1) stay awake with Jesus,

2) remain with Jesus,

3) keep watch and pray to Jesus...