To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Gospel Reflection for Thursday, April 17, 2025
Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Holy Thursday revolves around two central themes of faith: the Eucharist and service. They could be seen as two arms, but in truth, they are inseparably connected—perhaps even one and the same. In fact, Holy Thursday, along with the rest of the Paschal Triduum, embodies the eternal day. It is always the Paschal Triduum. The Body of Christ, received as nourishment, transforms the faithful into the very Body of Christ: “Receive what you are, become what you receive.” Becoming the Body of Christ necessarily means carrying out the works of Christ. This brings forth the call to serve. Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, performs an extraordinary gesture: washing the feet of others—a gesture of placing the needs of others above one’s own. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be the greatest among you must be your servant.” To be the Body of Christ is to carry Christ everywhere: as Lord, as nourishment, as Savior, as servant.
However, perhaps the most significant word on Holy Thursday is “Lamb.” The lamb that takes the place of Abraham’s son in the sacrifice. The Lamb of the Exodus, whose blood protected the faithful. The Lamb swaddled in cloth at the Nativity. The Lamb who takes away sin, recognized by John and acclaimed during every Eucharist, to whom we ask for mercy. The Lamb whose blood washes and heals us. The Lamb of Revelation, whose blood whitens the baptismal garments—after enduring the great tribulation. This is the Lamb of our salvation, offered to us in the Eucharist in an admirable and awe-inspiring way. This is the Lamb who, in just a few hours, will be “led to the slaughter.” The Savior and King of the world. “The Lamb redeems the flock,” as a subtitle of Joseph Ratzinger’s They Will Look on Him Whom They Have Pierced proclaims.
In every Eucharist, we pray or sing the Agnus Dei. It is profoundly moving to say, “Who takes away the sin of the world,” as we live immersed in a world full of sin and horror. Yet we say it with faith—or perhaps we should add, “Increase our faith,” because it feels so challenging. “Grant us peace”—even harder in these times. And we also say this with faith, asking that this peace, this faith, this cleansing of sin might first take root in our own hearts. This is precisely what then drives, compels, and obligates us to serve: to follow the Lamb, to carry the Lamb, to live from His Body and Blood. To be, as the flock, saved by the Lamb.