The Mass of the Lord’s Supper traditionally commemorates three aspects of Jesus’ actions in the Upper Room: the first Eucharist, the institution of the priesthood and Christ’s command that his disciples serve one another.
The three readings each focused on an aspect of the mystery surrounding Christ’s giving of his own body and blood as a sacrificial meal from Exodus 12 and 1 Corinthians 11.
The Gospel reading, meanwhile, from John 13, painted a more vivid picture of the Last Supper, including the Lord’s washing of his disciples’ feet and command that they do the same.
In adherence to that command, Auxiliary Bishop Francis Reiss washed the feet of 12 volunteers Holy Thursday evening at Sacred Heart Parish in Dearborn.
“In the Gospel, we hear and see Jesus give us the teaching of selfless service to others by washing the feet of his disciples, and then celebrating that same service in the Eucharist that followed, the sacrificial meal they shared together,” Bishop Reiss said. “He showed us that worship and obedience to the Father is more than mere ordinance. It is faith in action.”
At the Mass’ conclusion, Bishop Reiss led a Eucharistic procession to the nearby parish hall, where parishioners were invited to “keep vigil” with Christ in adoration during his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Many stayed and prayed, with only the candles near the tabernacle burning quietly through the night.
