Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

At the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples gathered to celebrate the Passover, recalling the meal from centuries earlier when the Chosen People came together as families, each sacrificing and sharing a lamb in order to prepare for their deliverance from captivity in a foreign land. Today we come together as parish families on Holy Thursday to recall the Last Supper, a meal from many centuries ago, but each time we celebrate it we share the Body and Blood of the Lamb of God, which Jesus offered as a sacrifice to deliver us from the captivity of sin. 

May our remembrance of this holy day enliven and nourish our saving faith.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

On this most somber day of the Church year, each reading shocks us with the intensity and extent of the suffering of the one who took on all our sins. Isaiah’s prophetic words of a “suffering servant” who of- fers his life for our sins remarkably parallel what happens to Jesus on the day he was crucified. The psalmist cries out words that would not have been out of place on Jesus’ lips as he died on the cross. Hebrews speaks of our Lord’s “loud cries and tears.” Finally, in the Passion, we hear of all the atrocities that Jesus endured. However, the greatest parallel in the readings has nothing to do with the abuse or the pain, but with Jesus’ willingness and certainty to accept it all. 

Listening to God’s word, let us hear our Savior’s resolve in fulfilling the most dif- ficult part of his mission.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Throughout the centuries, the history of our salvation has been pro- claimed through the words of scripture. Tonight, we listen to that history in the form of story and prophecy and respond with psalms of praise and anticipation. In the beginning, God created us in the divine image and saw that it was good. Through Abraham, God established a covenant with us, which bonds us to God even as we struggle to obey the divine will. God intervened to save us from captivity and lead us to the promised land. Isaiah foresaw the day when we would be redeemed. Baruch and Ezekiel extol God’s wisdom and mercy. Paul testifies that we have now been given the promise of eternal life.

Finally, in the Gospel, the risen Lord makes his first appearance, greeting the women who come to his tomb to anoint his body. From creation to redemption, God saves us.

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Alleluia! With joy and gratitude, we praise God, who raised Jesus from the dead to new life in the eternal kingdom. Truly, this is the day the Lord has made, for in his sacrifice on the cross he conquered sin and death and in his resurrection he has opened the door to our salvation. Let us rejoice! Let us be glad! 

Gathered together today to celebrate the eucharistic banquet, let us join with all the saints and angels to sing in praise and thanksgiving to our God.