HOMILY OF MAUNDY THURSDAY — YEAR A
HOMILY OF MAUNDY THURSDAY — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME!
BY: Fr. Casmir Nkamuke
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15
This evening, we celebrate three basic events: the institution of the Eucharist, the institution of the Priesthood, and the Commandment of Love. Christ instituted the Eucharist when he gave his body and blood as food and drink. He instituted the priesthood when he instructed his disciples to do this in memory of him.
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The Eucharist is the life wire of Christian living. Other Sacraments of the Church revolves around the Eucharist. It is a celebration that calls to mind the Passover of the Israelites from Egypt. At that time, they were spared from destruction by the angel of death through the blood of the lamb spilled at the doorpost. The event of the Old Testament is rekindled in the New and eternal covenant of Christ. This time it is no longer the blood of a lamb that is spilled, but that of Christ the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.
From its Greek etymology (eukharistia), Eucharist is a communion of Thanksgiving. It is a celebration whose very institution is rooted in love and unity. It is on this basis that the gospel of today is not centred on the event of the meal itself, but the humble service rendered by Christ our Lord to his disciples and his command to them to do the same.
In the Jewish tradition, the slave removes his outer garment, wraps a towel around his waist, and washes the feet of a guest at a formal meal. This task was so humiliating that a Jewish slave was spared from it. Only Gentile slaves carried them out. Little wonder the disciples were awestruck and Peter vehemently opposed to the action of Jesus. He could not imagine his Lord degrading himself to do a task reserved for Gentile slaves. Jesus however did this to set a new precedence. Service is the basis of leadership. Anyone who is not ready to serve is not prepared to lead.
As Christians, we enjoy a privileged status: the status of service. Any Christian who is not humble is a hypocrite. A Christian must be willing to bring himself down and to care for the good of the other. As Christ’s disciples, we must illuminate the world with love and extinguish hate. Our love should make us know that we all share common patrimony in the imago Dei. Our love should lead us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
Beloved in the Lord, the Lord commands us today to do this in his memory. This command is not just in regard to the sacramental celebration of the Eucharist. It is a command to live in such a way that our lives will reflect the memory of Christ’s life while he was on earth. Let us make love and service go viral. When we do this, we will fill the world with the memory of Christ.
As we begin the Easter Triduum today, may we once more accept Christ’s invitation to eat his Flesh and drink His Blood. May the Eucharist inspire and influence us to spread love and service. As we participate in this Holy Banquet, may we remember to pray for the priests for whom this sacrament is celebrated until the Second coming of Christ. Pray for your priests today and always, that our faith may not fail, and that when we have been strengthened, we may strengthen Christ’s faithful.
Happy Maundy Thursday!
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