Holy Thursday
Readings: EXODUS 12:1–8, 11–14, PSALM 115(116):12–13, 15–18, 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23–26, JOHN 13:1–15
17 April 2025
I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
On this day each year, the Church asks us to ponder three essential mysteries of our Catholic Faith: the Eucharist—instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper as the sacramental memorial of his sacrificial death on the Cross on Good Friday, the ministerial priesthood— established by Jesus to ensure the perpetuation of this sacramental memorial in the Mass, and Christ’s command to love others as he has loved us—shown by washing his apostles feet.
Jesus’ command to love others is at the heart of the Eucharist and the priesthood. God’s all-embracing love for us is shown in the incarnation of Jesus as man, to redeem and save us. “This is my body given for you…. This is my blood poured out for you” (Lk 22:19–20). This mystery of faith that we proclaim in every Mass reminds us of the total outpouring of God’s love in his Son on the Cross for our salvation.
Our Lord’s command to love others as he has loved us applies to every person and ministry in the Church, ordained and non-ordained. But no one can minister fruitfully in the Church if they have not first understood the lesson of Jesus washing his apostles’ feet. If our Christian service is to be not just an act of human kindness, but sacrificial love, then we must be prepared, like him, to serve and not to be served. For love, if it is authentic, gives itself for others without counting the cost or any hope of return.
As we gather in our churches tonight, may we, priest’s and people, kneel with profound humility and deep gratitude before our loving God for his Real Presence in our midst in the Most Holy Eucharist—the pledge of his love to be with us until the end of time.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Redeemer of the world, help us to love each other as you have loved us. Amen.
Fr Christopher G Sarkis
Fr Christopher G Sarkis is the parish priest of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Rosemeadow, NSW. Ordained in 1985, he has served in various parishes in the Diocese of Wollongong. His current diocesan roles include the College of Consultors, Council of Priests, and Clergy Remuneration Fund.
With thanks to the Diocese of Wollongong, who have supplied this reflection from their publication, METANOIA – Lenten Program 2025. Reproduced with permission.
