Holy Week - Holy Thursday April 9th
HOLY THURSDAY
You could begin with a simple song, such as “Jesus, Remember Me,” or “Amen.” (We don’t sing “Alleluia” until the Easter Vigil.) An older child or adult reads the leader parts.
LEADER
Today is Holy Thursday, and this evening we will remember two important things that Jesus did for his disciples and for us. On this night of the Last Supper, Jesus offered himself in the form of bread and wine and said, “This is my Body. . . . This is my Blood. Do this in memory of me.” Later, he washed the feet of his followers, teaching them by example how we must be a servant for all.
- All make the Sign of the Cross.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
LEADER: Psalm 27:1, 4, 11, 13 –14
Let us repeat the Psalm Response:
Teach me your way, O Lord.
ALL: Teach me your way, O Lord.
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
ALL: Teach me your way, O Lord.
One thing I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in his temple.
ALL: Teach me your way, O Lord.
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
ALL: Teach me your way, O Lord.
- All stand and sing Praise to you,Lord Jesus Christ . . .
LEADER: John 13:3 – 5
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
- Read the Gospel passage from the Bible.
The Gospel of the Lord.
- All sit and observe silence.
FOR SILENT REFLECTION
Why did Jesus, the disciples’ leader?
wish to be their servant?
LEADER:
Let us pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father . . . Amen.
LEADER:
Almighty God,
we remember Jesus’
act of service of washing his friends’ feet.
May we honour you with
our acts of love and service today and always.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen.
- All make the Sign of the Cross.
Daily Reflections for Holy Weeks
Holy Thursday
At the Last Supper, Peter says to Jesus, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You” (John 13:37). Yet, shortly after, in the face of adversity, Peter denies ever knowing Jesus.
How many times have we been like Peter–singing God’s praises, and then, just as quickly, denying our Lord? Have there been times that you’ve denied Jesus? Have you ever been afraid of your Christian identity? What are you afraid of?
Jesus reminds us: “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great” (Matthew 5:11). Pray that God may give you a spirit of courage and love of God, so that even when it is difficult or unpopular, you never deny your Christian identity.
