Fr. Bel R San Luis, S V D
HOLY Thursday, sometimes called Maundy Thursday, commemorates the "commands" (mandata) which Jesus gave us.
The first command of the Lord was for us to come together at the Eucharist to eat His Body and drink His Blood "in memory of Me" (Lk 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:25).
Hence, the Mass or Eucharist is not an invention of the Church nor an idea of the popes.
It is simply and clearly the direction Jesus left behind to his followers before He died.
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But Christ wanted to remain present, too, to be with us physically—not just to be remembered. This brings us to the specifically Catholic teaching called the "Real Presence" of Christ when, in the Last Supper, he said "This is My Body. This is My Blood."
The Church professes that the priest, through the sacrament of Holy Orders, "acts in the person of Christ (at the Last Supper) in a special way."
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Holy Thursday thus celebrates with joy the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the sacrament of Holy Orders.
The other command of Jesus is expressed by His dramatic and moving example of washing the feet of His disciples. "But if I washed your feet—I who am Teacher and Lord—then you must wash each other’s feet."
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Christ’s dramatic act illustrates humble service which should be exemplified by all, but especially those who are vested with authority like parents, government officials, heads of firms and organizations, not to mention bishops and pastors.
The liturgy, therefore calls us to renew our commitment to the great commandment of love.
Effect of the Eucharist
How come some people receive the body and blood of Christ regularly and nothing happens? Why don’t they feel and act differently afterwards.
The effect of the Eucharist does not work automatically. We are people, not robots. God respects our free will, albeit distorted at times. During Christ’s time, many people turned away, unaffected by His presence. A classic example is Judas Iscariot, one of His closest followers. He let him go. He did not force or threaten anyone.
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This explains why, despite Christ’s redemption, there are unscrupulous people: Killers and terrorists, drug pushers, purveyors of pornography and hardened criminals.
Finally, did you know that the reception of Christ’s body and blood in Holy Communion guarantees eternal life?
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Listen to this: "He who eats my flesh and drinks My blood has life eternal and I will raise him up on the last day" (Jn 6: 53).
If Jesus’ flesh and blood guarantee eternal life after death, wouldn’t you do everything to seek it in order to achieve eternal life?
PRACTICE: Appreciate the Holy Mass by faithfully, regularly attending it and receive the Bread of eternal life.
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‘7 LAST WORDS’ on ABS-CBN, Channel 2. The SVD Mission Communications Foundation will telecast on ABS-CBN, Channel 2 LIVE the "Seven Last Words" from Christ the King Seminary Church along E. Rodriguez Boulevard, Quezon City on Good Friday, April 14, 2006 from 12:00 to 3 p.m.
Together with the SVD preachers, well-known lay leaders like Bo Sanchez, Tita de Villa, Frank Padilla (Couples for Christ), Willy Nakar (Elim), Bingbong Crisologo (Loved Flock) will share from their spiritual personal experiences
Everyone is invited to attend the "Seven Last Words" Service or tune in to ABS-CBN, Channel 2.
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HUMOR. Singing the traditional "Pabasa" is an act of penance for the singers who patiently chant day and night non-stop.
But it’s also a "penitensya" for those listening to singers who are disintonado (out-of-tune) or monotones!
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