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April 1, 2021HOLY THURSDAY—At the Last Supper, Jesus gave us the words and rituals of the Eucharist, saying, “Do this in memory of me.” The Eucharist is center stage during the Holy Thursday liturgy, situated between the rituals of washing of one another’s feet and adoring the Blessed Sacrament. As Catholics we attend Holy Thursday liturgy not only because Jesus asked us to remember Him in the Eucharist, but because Communion means “we do not come to Christ alone but with and through one another.” I hope you will make it a priority to attend the Mass of the Lord’s Sup-per on Holy Thursday and together we can recall that we also belong to a parish family. Leave time afterward to spend a few minutes before the Blessed Sacrament and in making the night one of remembering in your own home—remember the dearly departed in your family; remember the trials and the joys that you and your family have shared together and how they have made you hopefully stronger as a family.
What can our family learn from this Holy Thursday Eucharistic meal? Jesus and His disciples are like any other fam-ily that huddles together to find reassurance and support. Sharing food reminds us that we find sustenance in each other. Gathering around a meal is also a way we celebrate our faith—not just at the Eucharist, but at Christmas dinner, the Thanksgiving feast, or the potluck that follows a funeral. Eating together we feed the bonds of hope and memory that we share as a believing family
A most blessed and sacred Triduum and Easter season to you and your family.
-Father Michael
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