Welcome to Holy Week - Holy “Maundy” Thursday
Have you ever felt misunderstood? Maybe you couldn’t reveal your intentions to the people you loved and lost them. Maybe you had good intentions toward the ones you were loyal to, but couldn’t invite them into your journey. Maybe you want to protect your friends and your family from your enemies, and even their enemies.
This night, this day, is a beginning. A beginning to the unraveling of the Sacred Triduum, the three days that lead to Easter, the “holiest days of the year.” Where secrets are revealed, where you serve, and love, and enter into the heart of Christ.
On this night, we remember the Last Supper, where Jesus Christ gathered with His disciples before His Passion. Something extraordinary happened — bread was broken, wine was poured, and Christ gave Himself completely.
The very first time Eucharist was given and instituted — not just as a ritual but as a living encounter with the Son. Here, God gives Himself to us, no longer distant, but becomes sustenance, he becomes near to us. He is accessible, now, in more ways that we can imagine.
And Jesus kneels, he takes a towel, and he washes the feet of his disciples. An act of service, flipping every expectation of power and authority. The King becomes the servant.
“I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)
Do we love like this? In humility, in sacrifice, in service. We give as He gives to us.
“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
And then, Jesus goes to Gethsemane. The night grows dark, the weight of the Cross draws near. Holy Thursday ends in tension. The altar is stripped, the tabernacle empties, and the Church feels quiet.
Love is about to be tested. The ultimate sacrifice of the Blood and Body of Christ will be given.
Holiness is not found in grand gestures or words but in hidden acts of love. We are called to love sacrificially, to serve more than to be served, and to truly receive and be grateful for the gift of the Eucharist.
Here are seven things to do this Holy Thursday:
1. Go to Mass
The Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper is one of the most beautiful liturgies of the year.
You experience the institution of the Eucharist
You may witness the washing of feet
The altar is stripped at the end—marking the beginning of the Passion
If you want to enter the story, this is the most important step.
2. Spend time in Adoration
After Mass, many churches have a place of repose for Eucharistic adoration.
This is your moment to “stay awake” with Jesus in Gethsemane.
Sit in silence
Pray honestly
Keep Him company
Even 15–30 minutes matters.
3. Practice hidden service
Do something small and unseen:
Help someone without telling them
Do a chore no one wants to do
Reach out to someone who is lonely
Live the command: love one another as I have loved you.
4. Examine your love
Ask yourself these questions:
Do I serve others, or do I want to be served?
Where am I holding back love?
Who do I struggle to love?
5. Fast from distractions
Simplify your day:
Less social media
Less noise
More silence
Let the gravity of what is happening spiritually sink in.
6. Pray with Scripture
Read slowly and reflect:
John 13 (washing of feet)
Matthew 26 (Last Supper & Gethsemane)
7. Stay close through the night
Traditionally, people keep vigil into the night.
You don’t have to do hours—but even a little intentional prayer before bed can be powerful:
Lord Jesus,
On the night You gave everything,
Teach me to love as You love.
Teach me to serve without seeking recognition,
To give without counting the cost,
And to remain with You, even in the darkness.
Amen.
