A new month is ushered in by the 1st day of the Triduum. On this April 1st, often times remembered for something so silly as April fools, we have Holy Thursday. I love the rich liturgy of this night and the many gifts that are unpacked in the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
There is the wearing of the white vestments tonight and joyful music at the onset of the Mass. We hear the music and the words of the Gloria, not heard since mid February during ordinary time. We hear the wonderful texts of the old testament story of the Passover meal and Paul's powerful words written to the Corinthians about the Eucharist. And the Gospel, the amazing story from the Gospel of John where Christ, preparing for his very Passion, washes the feet of his Apostles telling them to do likewise.
We are drawn in to the homily with words about the institution of the Eucharist, the gift of the Priesthood and the example of Jesus to wash each others feet; to serve and not be served.
The celebration continues with the presentation of the holy oils, brought into the church for the 1st time since they were distributed to all the pastors of the Archdiocese during the Chrism Mass.
And after the post communion prayer, no ending to the Mass. The Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession to a place of repose for adoration until midnight.
And with many of the faithful still in the Church, deep in prayer, the altar and the sanctuary are stripped bare.
What a rich night of liturgy; what an amazing celebration of the Lord's Supper. What a great way to understand what Jesus truly did for us; how much He loved us.
After midnight, the tabernacles will be empty. The Church will be without the real presence of the Lord. Stark, chilling; he is not there. Powerful.
Now we prepare for the Good Friday events and the Easter Vigil on Saturday. A Blessed Triduum to all.
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