Holy Thursday tries to do many things at once. It is the day when we remember that Jesus first celebrated the Eucharist and left the sacrament with us as his ongoing presence in our midst. “Do this in remembrance of me.” That commission reminds us that the apostles were empowered to celebrate the sacrament as sharing in the priesthood of Christ which continues in the priesthood today. St. John’s Gospel replaces the story of the institution of the Eucharist with one of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. So this day calls us to humble, loving service. “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” That example impels us to be ever mindful of those who are hurting, who need the ministrations of the Church. Perhaps the one thread which weaves through all these themes is “giving.’ Jesus gives the Eucharist. The priest gives his life in service. The Christian gives loving care to others. The Church gives to those who are in need. In an age which says “what do I get out of it” Holy Thursday challenges us: “what can I give.”
