Maundy Thursday, April 18, 2018

God is like..Asprin: He works miracles.

The last three days of Holy Week are referred to as the Sacred Triduum. Holy Thursday is also known as "Maundy Thursday." The word Maundy comes from the word mandatum (commandment). There are only two Masses allowed on Holy Thursday -- the Chrism Mass and the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper. In the Chrism mass, the holy oils to be used throughout the diocese for the following year in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the Sacrament of the Sick are blessed by the bishop at this Mass. This Mass also celebrates the institution of the priesthood. During the evening of Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord's Supper is celebrated. It is celebrated in the evening because the Passover began at sundown. There is only one Mass, at which the whole community and priests of the parish participate. This is a very joyful Mass, as we recall the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. The priests wear white vestments, the altar is filled with flowers, the Gloria is sung and the bells are rung (they are rung no more until the Easter Vigil … a wooden clapper called a "crotalus" is used instead).. The Liturgy of the Mass recalls the Passover, the Last Supper, which includes the Washing of the Feet. After the Communion Prayer, there is no final blessing. The Holy Eucharist is carried in procession through Church and then transferred into a place of reposition, usually a side chapel. After the Mass, we recall the Agony in the Garden, and the arrest and imprisonment of Jesus. The altar is stripped bare, crosses are removed or covered. The Eucharist has been placed in an altar of repose, and most churches are open for silent adoration, to answer Christ's invitation "Could you not, then, watch one hour with me?" After mid-night on Holy Thursday, the adoration should conclude without solemnity, since the day of the Lord's Passion has already begun.

Scripture ...
Luke 23:39-43

Reflections ...

From every direction Jesus hears mockery and ridicule. Even the criminals hanging on either side join in with the Jewish rulers and Roman soldiers (see Matthew 27:44).

But after a while one falls silent. When the other criminal takes up his taunt again, the first speaks out, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds” (Luke 23:40b-41a). Clearly, he has been thinking back over his life, considering the deeds that led to this torturous end, and of the fearful judgment that soon awaits.

Then he jumps to Jesus’ defense, revealing the faith that now fills his heart: “But this Man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41b). With firm confidence and faith that Jesus truly is the King of the Jews, the Chosen One, the promised Christ, he turns to Him and prays, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

This night we honor our crucified Lord by gathering in His house and rehearsing His Last Supper with His disciples. Like the criminal, we will confess our sins and ask Jesus to remember us when He comes into His kingdom. And through Holy Communion He will give us His body nailed to the cross and His blood poured out for us. We will remember His suffering and death as we eat His body given for us, and drink His blood shed for the remission of all our sins. And like the criminal, we will hear the dying Savior assure us, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, remember us when You come into Your kingdom as this night we remember Your great sacrifice of Your body and blood on the cross for us. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Today is Maundy Thursday, the day when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. It was a simple act that said so much about service, humility, love and much more besides. So in the spirit of that, prepare to get wet.  Keep it simple: offer to do the washing up or wash the windows, or do something around the house that you might not normally have done for someone else..

Hymn ...



Quiz ...

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4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 23 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbH-NxjEhY