Holy Thursday

Opening Prayer

I will call upon the Lord

          and He shall answer!

I shall give thanks and praise

          for all the Lord has done!

                             Alleluia!

Reflection Questions

1^st Reading – Exodus 12:1-8,11-14

• Do you hide Christ in your life? In your conversations? In your home? What can you do to reveal him?
• How do others know you are a Christian?

2^nd Reading – 1Corinthians 11:23-26

• When you hear these words prayed during the Eucharistic Celebration of Mass, who do you invite to the table with you?
• What do the words, “do this in remembrance of me” mean to you?

Gospel Reading – John 13:1-15

• Jesus says, “Do you know what I have done for you?” He isn’t only speaking to the disciples when he says to go and do; He is speaking to you too. Identify 2-3 things you will do this Easter Season to follow Jesus’ example.
• Jesus knows His disciples will scatter in fear, what do you think allows him to stay and celebrate the Passover meal with His friends and wash their feet?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Shown in hospitality;

ALL:  love as I have loved. 

Leader:  Shown in compassion;

ALL:  love as I have loved. 

Leader:  Shown in sacrifice;

ALL:  love as I have loved.

Leader:  Jesus…

ALL:  you have shown me how to love!

Challenge for Holy Thursday:  It is common practice for Jesus to be placed at the altar at the end of Holy Thursday’s Mass for the faithful to stay and participate in what in the Catholic Church calls Adoration.  This time is set aside specifically on the Thursday before Easter during Holy Week, to practice in real time staying awake for Jesus.  It is an opportunity to join Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where He went to pray before He was arrested.  The ritual generally lasts until Midnight and then Jesus is removed to imitate how He had been taken into custody. 

Set aside an hour to be with Jesus.  You choose how you will spend the time.  You can sit in silence or pray the Rosary or light candles or write a prayer or draw a mandala; it is your choice how to spend this specific hour with Jesus. 

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