Given, Taken, Broken

Holy Thursday the Triduum begins, one liturgical celebration full

of wonder, awe, joy, and sorrow tightly bound together.

Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14 ~~~ Psalm 116 ~~~ 1 Cor. 11: 23-26 ~~~ John 13: 1-15

Today may we be drawn into the most beautiful mystery of our faith; that of the Eucharist. Today may we be compelled to enter into the deepest gratitude for this gift. The gift of the Eucharist makes all other gifts pale in comparison for truly nothing can compare to the Body and Blood of Our Lord.

May we desire to never take the Eucharist for granted. May we approach the altar with not only open hands, but an open heart. May we love the Eucharist so much that it illuminates our souls for all to see. May we be granted new eyes today...eyes that see no longer a host but only pure love.

Psalm 116 is my favorite psalm...how can I make a return to the Lord for all he has done for me? I will take the cup of salvation if only to call upon the name of the Lord.

I join the cantor in singing "I am your servant, the son (daughter) of your handmaid."

I wish there were many more verses to this psalm; actually there are we just do not have time to sing them all.

St. Paul writes to us of the connection to our heritage. What is received from the Lord is to be handed on to others. This ritual with the bread and cup have stood through time to represent to us his holy presence at every Mass. At every Mass we proclaim the death of the Lord steeped in thanksgiving for our salvation.

Given, Taken, Broken

Given Thanks, Taken Bread, Broken Body

John gives us the vivid imagery of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Allow all of your senses to be engaged in the story. Jesus rose...took off his outer garments...tied a towel around his waist...he washed their feet.

"Do you realize what I have done for you?
I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you,
you should also do."