Holy Thursday has traditionally commemorated the institution of the priesthood by Christ at the Last Supper. It is a reminder that Jesus left us his body and blood as a perpetual and real reminder of his presence with us that continues through the ministry of his priests. The Gospel of John recalls the mandatum of Jesus, the fact that Jesus washes the apostles’ feet, and then instructs them to do likewise. It symbolizes that his priests are meant to be servants of God first as they minister to Christ’s people. All of us at one point or another, have experienced God’s love through the hands of a priest. The priesthood has come under attack recently for the deplorable actions of a minority, but it is still in essence, Christ’s gift to the Church. Without the priesthood, there would be no Eucharist, no forgiveness of sins, and no opportunity to continually celebrate the Mass and enter into the privileged Upper Room with Jesus to literally eat his flesh and drink his blood. In short, we would not have access to eternal life without the priesthood!

Prayer:
May the Divine sacrifice we have offered and received, O Lord, give new life to your Priests and to all your servants, that united to you in unfailing love, they may receive the grace of giving worthy service to your majesty. (Post-Communion Prayer: Ordination of Priests)

Action:
Pray a rosary for priests and for those seminarians studying to become priests.