Holy Thursday

Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you also should do. (Jn 13:1-15)

The Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord's Supper, a celebration of the institution of the Eucharist. This liturgy, at first glance, seems like a regular Mass. We gather, then we listen to the wisdom of Scripture. But after the homily, the Gospel comes alive with the Washing of the Feet. 

The Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist but instead of the usual dismissal after Communion, we do the ancient and very moving rite of the Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament. We depart in silence and are encouraged to stay a while in prayer with our Eucharistic Lord at the Altar of Repose.