According to the Gospels, Jesus spent Holy Thursday eating the Passover meal, also called the Last Supper, with his disciples. This is when Jesus made His prediction of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. He also attempted to offer comfort to the Apostles that He was not leaving them as orphans, or for good, but would return as Lord and Savior for all.
April 9, Holy Thursday, The Last Supper
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Jn 14, 6
Holy Thursday, which is also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper and the beginning of the sacrament we now know as the Eucharist. Tradition also says this is when Christ established the priesthood, when he told Peter that he was the rock upon which the church would be built.
The day culminates in Jesus’ agonized time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and eventual arrest. As churches prepare for sacred Mass on this day, altars are stripped of decoration and churches are darkened.
The Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated April 9 at 8 p.m. via livestream, which will be broadcast on the diocesan Facebook page at facebook.com/DioceseChas and youtube.com/DioceseChas.
