Holy Thursday is an important day in Holy Week and in the life of Christians, as it initiates the Easter Triduum. These three days recall the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah.
It also commemorates the Institution of the Eucharist as a gift of Love and the Institution of one of the Sacraments of total surrender and abandonment to the Lord: the Sacrament of Priestly Orders and the Life of Service to others.
According to the Gospel of John, Jesus instituted the Eucharist in the Last Supper, where the bread and wine became the body and blood of Christ. This is one of the most important sacraments of the Catholic Church, and we commemorate it every time we celebrate Mass.
During the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus also washed their feet, as a symbolic gesture of selfless love. This act represents humility and service to others, and it is an example that Christians are called to follow everyday.
Maundy Thursday is also the day we remember the betrayal of Judas, who sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This event marks the beginning of Jesus’ sufferings, which culminate in his crucifixion and death on the Cross.
As Hospitaller Sisters, we join in this commemoration as an opportunity for all Christians to reflect and pray, as it invites us to think about our own service to others, the importance of humility and love towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. In the words of Jesus: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).
