Holy Thursday And It’s Significance
[simpleazon-image align=”left” asin=”1601374585″ locale=”us” height=”375″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DoPBMXXOL.jpg” width=”250″]Except for the resurrection on Easter, Holy Thursday is possibly among the most vital, complicated, and extensive days of celebration in the Catholic Church. Holy Thursday commemorates the inauguration of the Eucharist as the true body and blood of Jesus Christ, and the inauguration of the sacrament of the priesthood.
During the Last Supper, Jesus offers himself as the Passover sacrifice, the sacrificial lamb, and teaches that every ordained priest is to follow Him and “do this in memory of me.” Christ also bids goodbye to his disciples and prophesizes that one of them will betray him and hand him over to the Roman soldiers.
Around the world, Bishops and priests come together at their regional Cathedrals on Holy Thursday morning to commemorate the institution of the priesthood. Throughout the Mass, the bishop blesses the Oil of Chrism that will be utilized for Baptism, Confirmation, and Anointing of those who are ill or dying.
During this Mass, the bishop wash the feet of twelve priests to symbolize Christ’s washing the feet of his twelve Apostles – our first bishops and priests.
Later on that night, after sundown– due to the fact that Passover started at sundown- the Holy Thursday Liturgy occurs, marking the end of Lent and the start of the sacred “Triduum,” or 3, of Holy Week. These are the three holiest days in the Catholic Church.
This Mass stresses the value Jesus places on the humility of service, and the requirement for cleaning with water, a sign of baptism. Also highlighted are the essential significance of the Eucharist and the sacrifice of Christ’s Body, which is present in the consecrated Host.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the faithful are welcomed to continue Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the night, just as the disciples were invited to remain up with the Lord during His agony in the Garden of Gethsename before His betrayal by Judas.
After Holy Thursday, no Mass will be celebrated again in the Church till the Easter Vigil commemorates and announces the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ
