A WORD FOR TODAY HOLY THURSDAY (CYCLE B)

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*JESUS, THE BREAD OF LIFE, GIVES US AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

_"You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."(John 13:13-15)_

_*Today, Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Triduum, the three greatest days in our salvation history. It is a time when we reflect and meditate on what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us in order to save us. He not only gave His life for us, but He also gave His body for us as food for the journey to eternity.*_

_At the early hours of today we gathered around the bishop to celebrate the Chrism mass in which we renewed our priestly promise and vow and also witnessed the blessing of the various oil we use in our pastoral work, the oil of the sick, Chrism and Catechumen. May God bless a our priests as they continue to serve the Lord in His people._

_*In this evening mass of the last supper, the liturgical celebration focuses our attention on three key principal mysteries that are commemorated, namely the institution of the Holy Eucharist, the priestly order and the commandment of the Lord concerning love of neighbour.*_

_In the first reading we see how the Lord commanded the people of Israel to celebrate passover meal as they were about to leave Egypt, their land of slavery. They were told to sprinkle the blood of the lamb on the door and when the Lord passes through the land, they will be sparred._

_*The blood of goats and sheep was used then, but in the new dispensation, Jesus will now pour out His blood and give it to us with his body to eat and drink as the food for eternal life.*_

_He instructed his apostles to continue to do it in his memory. This is the institution of the priesthood, be ause it is the priest that will confect the Eucharist. Therefore, whenever we eat the bread of life and drink the blood of Christ, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes._

_*In the gospel reading, Jesus teaches what we should be doing when we eat His body and drink His blood. We must love and serve others in Humility. He washed the feet of His apostles and He mandates them to do the same. We must also do the same everyday if we intend to be like Christ here on earth and to be with Him on heaven.*_

_We must strive everyday to be worthy to receive the body and blood of Christ, then we also make sincere effort to serve others in love, by doing good to them and we wi be ready to live with God in heaven._

_*Good evening dearest one. Smile😊as you celebrate this day. May the example of Jesus help you to always strive to be like Him to all those who come to you. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*MEDITATION:* Exodus 12:1-8,11-14/Psalm 116:12-13,15/1 Corinthians 11:23-26/John 13:1-15

*Watch-Word:* A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you.

*We must follow Jesus' example if we wish to be happy in this life and in the world to come*

(Holy Thursday: MASS of the Lord's Supper)