Until the sun sets tomorrow evening we still are in the Lenten season. At sunset, Lent ends and the Paschal Triduum begins. There is no morning or afternoon Mass on Holy Thursday. We celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening. This is a rich liturgy. At this celebration we boldly sing the Gloria after not singing this prayer since Lent begin. It is accompanied by music and perhaps bells. At the conclusion of the singing of the Gloria, the instruments go silent. The readings are beautiful; the story of the Passover, the letter from St. Paul as he tells of the institution of the Eucharist, as handed on to him and the Gospel of John which tells of the washing of the feet. At this special Mass, we have washing of the feet, done per local custom. This is not a reenactment but a reminder to all that Jesus calls us to service to one another just as we are called to love one another.
During this Mass the new oils, blessed at the Cathedral at the Chrism Mass are presented. These three oils will be used in the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening and throughout the year for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Anointing of the Sick.
At the end of Mass, the Mass does not end. The Eucharist is transferred, in sacred procession, to the tabernacle of repose. The altar is stripped bare. The Eucharist is adored until midnight by the faithful. For those who cannot stay for the evening they simply disperse in silence and continue their prayer and fasting at home.
If at all possible, please make every effort to spend Holy Thursday with the Lord and the community in celebrating the Mass of the Lord's Super.
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