April 13 - Holy Thursday : Divine Surrender

First Reading         :  Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14
Psalm                     :  Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Second Reading     :  1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel                    :  John 13:1-17, 31b-35     

 

The mystery of Holy Thursday embraces the supreme, threefold gift of the ministry of the Priesthood, the Eucharist and the new Commandment of love. The Basic idea of the entire Holy Thursday Mass is contained in the symbolic sign of the washing of the feet of the disciples by Jesus. This is more than an act of service, although He himself tells them and us that we must imitate him. it points to the very nature of Jesus' redeeming life and work: it is not we who redeem ourselves by anything we do; it is Jesus proclaiming himself as the Saviour. We see Jesus emptying himself. Thus we are invited to participate in the mystery of (his) divine surrender.