Holy Thursday

In order to understand the celebration of Holy Thursday we must make the connection between the Passover, the Last Supper, and the Mass.

Passover The Passover Seder is the Jewish ritual feast that celebrates the story of the Hebrew liberation from enslavement by the Egyptians. Chapter 12 of the Book of Exodus tells how God promised to strike down the firstborn son in every household in Egypt. He directed each Hebrew family to slaughter their best lamb and to mark the wooden doorposts of their home with its blood. The angel of God then passed over the houses marked with the blood of the lamb leaving those inside unharmed. Following this devastation, Pharaoh allowed the Hebrews to leave Egypt beginning their journey to the promised land

Last Supper Jesus and His disciples had come to observe the Passover in Jerusalem. Jesus knew his Passion was about to begin. The meal he shared with the Apostles was not the usual Seder of the Old Testament Passover that had been celebrated for over a thousand years. Jesus gave the old rituals new meaning by becoming the Passover Lamb, giving his own Body and Blood to free us from the slavery of sin and death. The meaning for the early Apostles and Christians was clear. Jesus is the Lamb of God who won our salvation through His death and resurrection.

The Holy Mass The early Church came together to remember these events. We, too, remember and enter into the Last Supper, His Passion, Death, and Resurrection every time we go to Mass. How wonderful it is to celebrate Jesus’ Passover, the Paschal Mystery.

Celebrating Holy Thursday at Home

Holy Thursday is a very important celebration for the Church. It is the first day of the shortest liturgical season, the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday). Even though we are not able to go to Mass this Holy Thursday, we can remember all God has done for us.

● We remember the Old Testament Passover and how God delivered His people from slavery. ● We remember how Jesus taught us that we must all be servants of one another as He washed the feet of His disciples. ● We say a special prayer for Father Tony and for all the priests who take on the role of Christ in service to us. ● We remember how Jesus gave to us His Body and His Blood in the Eucharist. ● We remember how Jesus became the Lamb of God as He offered the Himself as the sacrifice to save us from a life of slavery to sin and eternal death.

Make it a Feast. ● Put out a tablecloth and candles. Use the good dishes. ● Before or during dinner read Exodus 12:1-29--the story of the first Passover. ● Read from either Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26 or Luke 22:7-20--to remember the Last Supper and the Institution of the Eucharist. ● Make unleavened bread and share it as the Gospel is read. ● You may want to wash each other’s feet as a sign of humility and service. ● End the meal with a prayer of Thanksgiving for the many blessings God has given our families and parishes.

Unleavened Bread

Ingredients: 2 cups flour Preheat Oven: 375 degrees 1/2 stick softened butter 1/4 cup honey Parchment Paper or silicone baking sheet 1/2 cup scalded milk ½ teaspoon salt Makes 5-6 Rounds 1 beaten egg (melted butter--optional)

Method:

1. Mix butter and flour until crumbly. 2. Add honey, milk, and salt. 3. Mix well. 4. Roll out onto a lightly floured surface to ¼ “ thick. 5. Cut into rounds with empty coffee can--or use a knife to trace around a coffee can lid. 6. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. 7. Score the tops with a knife to make 8 wedges on each. 8. Brush tops with beaten egg. 9. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes. 10. While hot, brush with melted butter. 11. Cover when cool.

This recipe is a favorite of children who participated in Seder Meals at St.Gregory School.