Holy Thursday Lessons and Divine Mercy Novena

So much to reflect on and learn about Holy Thursday.

Jesus spent Last Supper with His disciples, including His betrayer:

“On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.” (Matthew 26:18-19)

Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, including His betrayer:

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:2-5, 12-17).

Jesus made a final appeal to Judas, His betrayer:  As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” (John 13:27).

These last words of Jesus to Judas, according to Fr. Tito Caluag, S.J, was Jesus’ final appeal to Judas to decide, given his free will, whether to proceed with his betrayal or give up his betrayal, be sorry, and ask for pardon, like Peter did when he denied the Lord 3 times before the cock crowed. Judas chose betrayal instead, and later hang himself.

Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist, stays with all always, making Himself available to all who will receive Him: “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1Corinthians 11:23-26).

Jesus, after agonizing, accepted His Father’s will as His- that all of us may be saved, through His Cross and Resurrection: “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane…He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!” Then he returned once more and found them (his disciples) asleep. He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again.” (Matthew 26:36, 39, 42-44)

Reminder: On Good Friday, March 29, the Novena to the Divine Mercy will begin and end on the Divine Mercy Feast, Sunday, April 7. (https://centrefordivinemercy.org/9-day-novena).

Happy restful, peaceful, prayerful Holy Week to all!