Home
 Towards the Holy Year of 2000 The Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper Scott 1082 and 1083 (1998) As we continue through Holy Week, we have arrived at Holy Thursday and the most solemn days on the Church calendar. We began on Palm Sunday and observed Christ's entry into the city of Jerusalem. There are no specific events tied to Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday, although Biblical accounts cite Jesus's cleansing of the temple, his cursing of the fig tree (a symbol of His rejection by the Jews) and His anointing by Mary (sister of Martha) at Bethany as occurring during these days. Holy Wednesday, or Spy Wednesday, tells the story of Judas meeting with the Sanhedrin and agreeing to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Holy Thursday, also referred to as Maundy Thursday, is the fifth day of Holy Week and is best remembered for the observation of the Last Supper. One cannot think about the Last Supper without remembering the iconic fresco by Leonardo da Vinci:  "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci Chiesa Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan From Wikimedia Commons In the Public Domain The Last Supper is included in all four of the Gospels, with the Synoptic Gospels of Luke, Matthew and Mark describing the events similarly; the Gospel of John differs in some important respects. Holy Thursday and The Last Supper contain many events that are crucial to the understanding of our Faith. Here are some of the important events to remember from that day: The Washing of the Feet, or maundy, is described in the Gospel of John (John 13) and represents the act where the greatest (in this case, Jesus) performs the most lowly of tasks in service to others. Jesus washes the feet of the Apostles prior to the meal. The Apostle Peter objects, but Jesus answers him, saying: Unless I wash you, you have no part with me. (John 13:8) The Betrayal of Judas is described in all four Gospels, as Jesus predicts that one of the Twelve will be his betrayer by stating: Woe to the man who betrays the Son of man! It would be better for him if he had not been born. (Mark 14:20–21) Judas is specifically identified as the betrayer in John (13:26-27) and Matthew (26:23-25). Judas eventually leaves the scene but returns to identify Christ later that evening in the Garden of Gethsemane. The First Eucharist is described in the three Synoptic Gospels (Luke, Mark and Matthew) and in Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (although in slightly different manners). At the Last Supper, Jesus Christ gives his disciples bread and wine, commanding them to do this in memory of me. He refers to the bread as my body and the cup of wine as the blood of my covenant, which is poured out for many. To this day, the elements described at the First Eucharist are consecrated and consumed during the celebration of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, or Communion, with Christians recognizing that Christ is present. The Farewell Discourse, presented in the Gospel of John, was given by Jesus to the eleven remaining disciples at the conclusion of the Last Supper. The discourse has distinct components. Jesus tells the disciples that he will be going away to the Father, and that he will send the Holy Spirit to guide the disciples. He bestows His peace on the disciples and commands them to love one another. The key theme in the discourse is love one another as I have loved you. (John 13:34). The Prediction of Peter’s Denial is described in all four Gospels, where Jesus predicts that Peter will deny knowledge of him, stating: Truly I tell you…this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times. (Matthew 26:34) The Agony in the Garden. Following the Last Supper, Jesus and the remaining eleven Apostles retreat to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus beseeches God to deliver from his impending death on the cross, while submitting to his Father’s will: Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done. (Luke 22:42). It is here that He is identified by Judas with a kiss and taken away by the soldiers for his eventual trial, conviction, passion, and crucifixion. On Holy Thursday morning, the Chrism Mass is celebrated in each diocese. During the Mass, those present are called to renew their baptismal promises, and priests, ministers and deacons reaffirm the promises made at their ordination. The Mass takes its name from the blessing of the holy oils used in the sacraments throughout the year. REFERENCES: |
